Systems, methods, and apparatuses for acoustic enhancement implants

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses include one or more acoustic control devices. These acoustic control devices include implants, fixators, patches, and / or coatings formed of metamaterials to produce specific behaviors upon exposure to sound waves. The acoustic metamaterials are capable of manipulating the sound waves arriving at them. The metamaterials have non-uniform material distribution, non-uniform geometry, and / or non-uniform material properties, such as non-uniform density, non-uniform elastic modulus, non-uniform bulk modulus, or combinations thereof. The system includes acoustic control patches and implants for modulating the path of acoustic signals generated by one or more loudspeakers. The acoustic control patches may include acoustic Fresnel lenses or acoustic Luneburg lenses formed on a substrate. Furthermore, manipulating the acoustic signals includes: focusing the acoustic signals, forming acoustic vortices from the acoustic signals, redirecting the acoustic signals, guiding the acoustic signals, or bending the acoustic signals.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to the following applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,605, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Suppressed Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) Surface Morphology and Composition Analysis System, Method, and Apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,616, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "Wearable Electroacoustic Monitoring System, Method, and Apparatus"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,627, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Acoustic Enhancement Implants"; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 579,627, filed August 30, 2023, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus with Sensors Having Multiple Detection Signal Types". The following U.S. Provisional Applications are incorporated herein by reference: Application No. 63 / 579,633, entitled “Multi-device health parameter monitoring system, method, and apparatus”, filed on August 30, 2023; Application No. 63 / 579,640, entitled “Health parameter detection system, method, and apparatus based on suppressed total internal reflection (FTIR)”, filed on August 30, 2023; and Application No. 63 / 579,663, entitled “System, method, and apparatus for characterizing neural and / or musculoskeletal parameters”, filed on August 30, 2023. Background Technology

[0002] Medical acoustic implants are primarily used in hearing aids to amplify audible sounds. For devices attempting to use sound waves for therapeutic purposes, precisely delivering energy to specific body parts presents a significant challenge. Such systems typically employ complex external acoustic generation techniques, which are not only complex but also vary from patient to patient and may carry potential risks of injury. Other systems use transducers as implants, but this presents its own technical challenges in powering the implants.

[0003] It is in light of the above observations and other related issues that various aspects of this disclosure were conceived and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This system, method, and apparatus can solve the aforementioned problems. For example, an acoustic enhancement system may include one or more loudspeakers; and / or an acoustic control patch formed of a metamaterial having a non-uniform material distribution, non-uniform geometry, or non-uniform material properties. This metamaterial is operable to manipulate acoustic signals from one or more loudspeakers and directed to parts of the user's body.

[0005] In some embodiments, the acoustic control patch includes an acoustic Fresnel lens or an acoustic Luneburg lens formed on a substrate. Furthermore, manipulating the acoustic signal may include: focusing the acoustic signal, forming acoustic vortices from the acoustic signal, redirecting the acoustic signal, guiding the acoustic signal, or bending the acoustic signal. Additionally, the acoustic enhancement system may include an acoustic control implant comprising a bone graft with an array of acoustic focusing nodes; and / or one or more openings for placement around a transverse or spinous process. The wearable device may also be operable to provide acoustic actuation or acoustic sensing functionality. Furthermore, the metamaterial may include: a plurality of concentric circles formed of a first material disposed on a second material; a spiral formed of a first material disposed on a second material; and / or a plurality of fan-shaped slice regions, wherein the percentage of the first material in the second material is progressively distributed.

[0006] In some cases, the acoustic enhancement system may include a bone graft strip with rows of acoustic focusing nodes, which may wrap around at least a portion of the bone. Additionally, the acoustic enhancement system may include an acoustically controlled spinal rod with a circular cross-sectional profile. The non-uniform material distribution may include a concentric gradient with a minimum percentage of acoustic control material at the outer circumference of the circular cross-sectional profile and a maximum percentage at the center. The acoustic control patch may include acoustic focusing nodes or acoustic vortex nodes, and / or have one or more screw receiving portions. The acoustic focusing nodes or acoustic vortex nodes can be used to provide deep brain acoustic stimulation. Furthermore, the acoustic enhancement system may include a drug-eluting implant capable of releasing a drug in response to a focused or vortex acoustic signal generated by the manipulation of acoustic signals by the acoustic control patch.

[0007] In some scenarios, the acoustic control device may comprise a main body with primary medical functions. This main body may be constructed of a metamaterial having a non-uniform material distribution of one or more materials, allowing for controllable manipulation of acoustic signals emitted by one or more speakers. The one or more materials may form a three-dimensional implant, its shape including at least one of spheres, cubes, or cylinders. Furthermore, the one or more materials may include a first material as a second material coating, and / or the second material may comprise the implant. The acoustic control device may also be formed as a screw with threads. The non-uniform material distribution can be used to transmit acoustic signals from one or more speakers from the screw side to a fixation plate, and / or prevent acoustic signals from being transmitted to the threads. The metamaterial may include an acoustic impedance matching patch placed on a spinal rod to form an acoustic path through or around the spinal rod. Furthermore, the non-uniform material distribution may be formed as at least one of a porous structure, multiple two-dimensional arrays, and / or a layered structure. The non-uniform material distribution may also allow the acoustic control device to absorb acoustic signals, thereby shielding the target area from the acoustic signals through the acoustic control device. Furthermore, the target area shielded from acoustic signals may include at least one of soft tissue, organ, nerve, or bone.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method of controlling an acoustic signal includes: transmitting an acoustic signal from one or more speakers to a user's body part or an implant of the user; and / or manipulating the acoustic signal using a metamaterial having a non-uniform material distribution by at least one of: focusing the acoustic signal; causing the acoustic signal to form a vortex; transmitting the acoustic signal; and / or absorbing the acoustic signal. Furthermore, manipulating the acoustic signal may include focusing the acoustic signal; and / or the method may further include: eluting a drug from the user's implant in response to the implant receiving the focused acoustic signal. Attached Figure Description

[0009] A better understanding of the above-described invention and the detailed embodiments described below will be achieved by reading the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, certain embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are shown in the drawings; however, it should be understood that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and features shown. The accompanying drawings, as an integral part of this specification, illustrate specific embodiments of systems and methods consistent with the subject matter of this disclosure, and together with the description, illustrate the advantages and principles consistent with the subject matter of this disclosure, wherein: Figure 1 An example system is shown that uses one or more acoustic control devices to control sound waves.

[0010] Figure 2 An example system using bone graft patches to control sound waves is shown.

[0011] Figures 3A to 3C An example system using an acoustic focusing patch to control sound waves is shown.

[0012] Figure 4A and 4B An example system is shown that uses an acoustic focusing strip to control sound waves.

[0013] Figure 5A and 5B An example system using a sonic spinal rod to control sound waves is shown.

[0014] Figures 6A to 6C An example system using a deep brain acoustic stimulation lens to control sound waves is shown.

[0015] Figure 7A and 7B An example system for controlling sound waves using an acoustic lens and a drug-eluting implant is shown.

[0016] Figure 7C and 7D An example system is shown that uses acoustic impedance implants and drug-eluting implants to control sound waves.

[0017] Figure 8 An example system for controlling sound waves using a three-dimensional acoustic lens is shown.

[0018] Figures 9A to 9C An example system is shown that uses a sound-controlled implant coating or surface enhancement layer to control sound waves.

[0019] Figures 10 to 11B An example system is shown that uses one or more acoustic control screws to control sound waves.

[0020] Figures 12A to 12D An example system is shown that uses one or more acoustic impedance matching patches to control sound waves.

[0021] Figure 13 An example system for controlling sound waves by means of one or more sound-absorbing implants is shown.

[0022] Figure 14 It shows that it can be made by Figures 1 to 13 Example methods for controlling sound waves, performed by any of the systems shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity and simplicity, the same reference numerals may be repeated in different figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements where appropriate. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced with these specific details omitted. In other instances, methods, processes, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring relevant important features. Moreover, the content of this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. The figures are not drawn to scale, and the proportions of some components may be exaggerated to more clearly demonstrate the details and features of this disclosure.

[0024] The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. For example, the use of singular terms (e.g., "a") is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, relational terms used in the description for clarity (including, but not limited to, relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "below," "above," and "side") are used only for specific reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that any feature of this disclosure may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions. All such other systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this specification, fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure, and are covered by the claims.

[0025] Furthermore, given that the present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms, this disclosure is intended as an exemplary illustration of the principles of the present disclosure, and not to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments shown and described. Any feature of the present disclosure can be used alone or in combination with other features. The terms "embodiment," "example," etc., used in the specification refer to one or more features included in at least one aspect of the description. Individual references to the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive, unless otherwise stated and / or readily understood by those skilled in the art from the specification. For example, features, structures, processes, steps, operations, etc., described in one embodiment may be included in other embodiments, but are not necessarily included. Therefore, the present disclosure can include various combinations and / or integrations of the examples described herein. Furthermore, all aspects of the present disclosure described herein are not necessary conditions for implementing the present disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will be able to understand or infer other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure by consulting the accompanying drawings and specification. All such other systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this specification, fall within the protection scope of this disclosure, and are covered by the claims.

[0026] Any degree terms used in the specification and appended claims (such as, but not limited to, “substantially”) should be understood to include precise configurations or similar but not exactly precise configurations. For example, “substantially flat surface” refers to both a precisely flat surface and an approximately but not precisely flat surface. Similarly, terms such as “about” or “approximately” used in the specification and appended claims should be understood to include the stated value or be three to one-third of the stated value. For example, about 3 mm covers all values ​​from 1 mm to 9 mm, and about 50 degrees covers all values ​​from 16.6 degrees to 150 degrees.

[0027] The term "coupled" is defined as a connection, whether direct or indirect via intermediate components, and is not limited to a physical connection. This connection may be permanent or releasable. In this specification, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are used interchangeably. All of the above terms indicate that they include, but are not limited to, the described content. The term "real-time" means substantially instantaneous.

[0028] Finally, the terms “or” and “and / or” used in this document should be interpreted inclusively, meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” can refer to any of the following: “A”, “B”, or “C”; “A and B”; “A and C”; “B and C”; “A, B, and C”. Exceptions to this definition exist only when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or actions is inherently mutually exclusive to some extent.

[0029] The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein include acoustic control devices, such as implants, fixators, patches, and / or coatings, which exhibit specific behaviors upon exposure to sound waves. An example of such devices includes objects designed as acoustic metamaterials that can manipulate sound waves arriving there, for example, to promote cell growth, or for tumor treatment or infection diagnosis. The metamaterial may have a non-uniform material distribution, non-uniform geometry, and / or non-uniform material properties (e.g., non-uniform density, non-uniform elastic modulus, non-uniform bulk modulus, combinations thereof). The acoustic control patches and implants disclosed herein can provide unique acoustic behavior through simple procedures and can reduce the risks associated with high-intensity sound waves.

[0030] In some embodiments, the system includes an external speaker array / transducer array (e.g., a wearable device) that generates initial sound waves. As the sound waves pass through different pre-designed implants, they can be manipulated for various medical and / or health-related purposes. For example, the sound waves can be focused onto specific tissues (e.g., using Fresnel or Luneburg lenses). Furthermore, the sound waves can be spatially filtered, helically diffused, and / or shielded using screw-shaped implants, the principles of which will be detailed below.

[0031] In certain scenarios, a suite of acoustically enhanced wearable and / or implantable devices may include implants, coatings, fixation devices, patches, etc., with pre-designed structures capable of manipulating sound waves. These implants can be placed inside or on the body via surgical or non-surgical methods, such as sutures, anchors, screws, bio-adhesives, wires, or staples. While these patches and implants possess specific acoustic functions, they may also perform other primary functions, such as fixation.

[0032] Metamaterials can be pre-designed to have a specific structure that allows sound waves to propagate at speeds higher or lower than those in the surrounding medium (such as muscle tissue, water, etc.). These metamaterials can be formed by distributing materials such as metals, polymers, and ceramics (e.g., aluminum, titanium, PEEK, PEK, PNMA, hydrogels, calcium phosphate, etc.) in a specific arrangement on a substrate to produce an acoustic focusing / control effect. In some cases, the acoustic control device can be made of biocompatible materials, biodegradable materials, and / or biological substances (e.g., silk protein), or other types of materials. In some embodiments, the acoustic propagation constant of the material can be modulated by selectively adding air or auxiliary materials, for example, reducing the speed at which sound waves penetrate the material. Furthermore, the systems disclosed herein can employ a variety of fixation techniques, including non-invasive physical constraints and / or invasive physical constraints (e.g., sutures, anchors, screws, bio-adhesives, staples, and / or combinations thereof).

[0033] A single loudspeaker / transducer or an array of loudspeakers / transducers can generate sound waves on the body surface. Compared to natural materials, this device possesses unusual acoustic properties, allowing the generated sound waves to penetrate soft tissue, bone, and / or implants. Therefore, as the sound waves pass through these devices, they can be manipulated to achieve specific functions. The capabilities of these devices depend on the application and can include acoustic focusing, helical diffusion, spatial filtering, impedance matching, and shielding for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

[0034] Therefore, the acoustic control device may include different types of implants, such as focusing implants, transmission implants, and / or absorptive implants. Focusing implants may include: acoustic spinal bone graft patches; acoustic patches; acoustic spinal rods; deep brain acoustic stimulation acoustic lenses; drug-eluting implants with acoustic lenses; 3D acoustic lenses; implant coatings or surface enhancement layers; and / or combinations of the above components. Transmission implants may include: screws with acoustic spatial filtering capabilities; acoustic impedance matching patches suitable for spinal rods and / or fixation plates; acoustic impedance patches for drug elution; and / or combinations of the above. Absorbing implants may include damping or absorbing implants for shielding specific areas from the effects of sound waves. Furthermore, the systems disclosed herein may include other wearable devices (e.g., leg sleeves, arm sleeves, gloves, cuffs, headgear, torso straps, back straps, etc.) configured with acoustic actuators and / or acoustic sensors. For example, wearable devices may include arrays of acoustic sensors and / or actuators that can work in conjunction with the acoustic control devices disclosed herein.

[0035] Other advantages of the systems, methods, and apparatus discussed in this paper will be explained in detail below.

[0036] Figure 1An example system 100 is illustrated, which controls sound waves via one or more acoustic control devices 102. The one or more acoustic control devices 102 can control (e.g., focus, modify, redirect, transmit, absorb, etc.) acoustic signals 108 generated by one or more loudspeakers 104. System 100 may include one or more computing systems 106, such as microcontrollers, processors, and / or memory. The memory may store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause one or more loudspeakers 104 to emit acoustic signals 108 (e.g., initial acoustic signals). In some cases, one or more loudspeakers 104 may be configured to emit specific frequencies or sound wave waveforms corresponding to the type of acoustic control device 102 and / or the type of target tissue or target feature. For example, one or more loudspeakers 104 may emit high-frequency acoustic signals (e.g., 1 MHz–100 MHz) to stimulate cells to promote cell growth, and / or emit low-frequency acoustic signals (e.g., 1 Hz–1 kHz) for large tissue stimulation (e.g., brain stimulation). The frequency of the acoustic signal 108 may also correspond to the tissue depth and / or the target distance of the focus relative to the acoustic control device 102.

[0037] In some cases, the initial acoustic signal 108 may be transmitted from one or more speakers 104 to the acoustic control device 102. For example, the acoustic control device 102 may be in the form of an acoustic focusing patch 110, which focuses the acoustic signal 108 onto a target area 114 via one or more focusing nodes 112. In addition to the acoustic focusing patch 110, or as an alternative, the system 100 may include various other acoustic control devices 102, such as an acoustic shielding device 116 for preventing the acoustic signal 108 from reaching a protected area 118. Other examples of acoustic control devices 102 will be described in detail below.

[0038] Figures 2 to 6C An example system 100 is shown that employs one or more acoustic control devices 102 to focus an acoustic signal 108. For example, Figure 2 An exemplary bone graft patch 202 is shown (e.g., an acoustic spinal bone graft patch 204). This bone graft patch 202 amplifies and focuses an acoustic signal 108 generated by an external speaker 104 onto the bone graft site, thereby promoting healing at the bone graft site. For example, system 100 may include a graft patch having an acoustic focusing node array 112 (e.g., a conical focuser) disposed on the graft. The bone graft patch may have one or more openings for placement around a transverse or spinous process, positioning the bone graft patch adjacent (e.g., abutting) and / or closely adjacent to the bone graft (e.g., at a distance of 0.1 mm to 5 mm from the bone graft). The bone graft may be attached to and / or shaped into the spinal body.

[0039] Figures 3A-3C Different examples of one or more acoustic focusing patches 110 are shown. The acoustic focusing patch 110 may comprise a membrane 302 having an acoustic transparency distribution 304, and / or an array of acoustic metamaterials capable of manipulating a sound field in a specific manner corresponding to the acoustic transparency distribution. An external loudspeaker 104 may generate an initial sound wave 108. As the sound wave propagates through the metamaterial array constituting the acoustic focusing patch 110, the sound wave may be focused onto a target location 306 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3A As shown), and / or the acoustic focusing patch 110 can generate acoustic vortices 308 (e.g., as shown). Figure 3B and 3C (As shown). The acoustic vortex 308 can guide acoustic energy into a circular profile while dissipating acoustic energy from the center. The membrane material can be used to attach metamaterials to the user's body (such as skin) or for other applications such as tissue fixation.

[0040] Figure 4A and 4B An example of one or more acoustic focusing strips 402 is shown for acoustically manipulating the bone 404 by focusing and / or amplifying an acoustic signal generated by the speaker 104. The acoustic bone focusing patch may include a plurality of acoustic focusing nodes 112 arranged in one or more rows. For example, the acoustic focusing nodes 112 may be formed in a single row on a strip of substrate material. The strip of substrate material may wrap around a portion of the bone 404 so that the plurality of acoustic focusing nodes 112 cover that bone portion.

[0041] Figure 5A and 5B Examples of one or more acoustic spinal rods 502 are shown, which can stabilize spinal segments 504 or other fused bone segments, for example, by holding the vertebrae together. Sound waves can be used to promote the healing process of bone grafts in the vicinity of the spinal rod 502. Thus, an implant 506 with a primary medical function (such as spinal support) can be employed or modified to incorporate metamaterials with acoustic control properties. The acoustically functional spinal rod 502 can stabilize the spine and / or promote the healing process of graft portions located in its acoustically shaded area (e.g., adjacent to and / or adjacent to the acoustic spinal rod). For example, the acoustic spinal rod 502 may include a concentric gradient 508 with the lowest content (percentage 510%) of acoustic control material 512 at the outer circumference 514 of the circular cross-sectional profile 516 and the highest content (percentage 518%) of acoustic control material 512 at the center 520 of the circular cross-sectional profile 516. This gradient 508 can focus an initial sound wave 108 toward a target region 114.

[0042] Figures 6A-6CExamples of one or more deep brain acoustic stimulation acoustic lenses 602 (e.g., acoustic focusing nodes 112) are shown. For example, acoustic metamaterials 604 with focusing or helical diffusion capabilities (e.g.,...) are also shown. Figures 3A-3C The acoustic patch 608 (as shown) can be designed for use with the skull and secured to it using screws 606. For example, the membrane, base, or body of the acoustic patch 608 may be provided with one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, or six) screw receiving portions 610. In some cases, using these implants allows for deep brain acoustic stimulation to be performed with the aid of an acoustic wearable device without professional supervision. The acoustic patch 608 may comprise a helical material distribution 612 and / or a concentric circular material distribution 614.

[0043] Figure 7A and 7B An example of an acoustic lens drug elution system 700 is shown, comprising at least two parts: an acoustic lens (e.g., acoustic control device 102) and a drug elution implant. The acoustic lens drug elution system 700 may also include any other components of the system 100 described herein. The drug elution implant may be an implantable device capable of releasing a specific dose of drug into a blood vessel or other soft or hard tissue. This dose can be modulated by the kinetic energy of sound waves impacting the drug elution implant. The acoustic lens may be a pre-designed structure for focusing sound waves generated by an external source onto the drug elution implant. Thus, the distribution of drug from the drug elution implant into the bloodstream is controlled by selectively activating (e.g., powering) a speaker 104 or other acoustic signal source. Figure 7B A first path of acoustic signal 108 omitting the acoustic lens and / or drug-eluting implant is shown; and a second path of acoustic signal 108 in a scenario including the acoustic lens and drug-eluting implant is shown. In the second path, acoustic signal 108 is deflected / focused onto the drug-eluting implant, prompting drug release. Figure 7C and Figure 7D An acoustic impedance patch for drug elution is shown. For example, the implant can absorb acoustic energy from the environment. This energy can accelerate the release rate of a specific functional drug. Furthermore, multiple metamaterials can be used simultaneously. The drug elution system 700 may include: a first metamaterial with acoustic control lenses positioned between speakers 104; and / or a second metamaterial within the implant and aligned with or integrated with the drug elution implant. Additionally, the speakers 104 may be used in combination with another metamaterial, for example, by placing another metamaterial on the transmission surface of the speakers 104 to focus or form vortices of sound waves emitted by the speakers 104. As an example, the drug elution implant may contain a chemotherapy drug, which can be formulated into a scaffold for treating pancreatic cancer.

[0044] Figure 8Exemplary 3D acoustic lenses 802 (e.g., sphere 804, cube 806, or cylinder 808 structures) with gradient acoustic properties are shown. Sounds with different frequencies and / or incident angles can be focused at different locations inside or outside the 3D acoustic lens structure. By periodically changing the frequency, directivity, or incident angle of the external sound wave 108, the acoustic signal 108 can be focused onto one or more specific target regions 114, thereby generating acoustic stimulation in the target region 114. These 3D lenses can be used as standalone implants or as components of more complex implant systems 100, such as any combination or variation using the acoustic control device 102 discussed herein. Furthermore, a metamaterial implant coating 810 can be applied to the surface of the 3D lens 802 to further enhance acoustic focusing capabilities. The surface coating 810 can be applied directly to the surface and / or applied to surfaces such as… Figures 3A-3C The membrane shown. Therefore, the 3D implant can control the acoustic signal 108 through the internal gradient 508 and / or the external coating 810, thereby promoting blood flow and improving the healing process.

[0045] Figures 9A to 9C An example of an acoustically controlled implant coating 810 or surface reinforcement structure 812 is shown. This coating can be part of the implant, simultaneously providing acoustic impedance matching and acoustic amplification. The implant coating 810 can be made of a different material than the implant 902 itself, focusing acoustic energy on the implant surface to improve cell adhesion and healing processes. This coating 810 or surface reinforcement structure can be applied to implants 902 with other primary functions, such as structural support, fixation, and reinforcement. Furthermore, as... Figure 9B As shown, the implant 902 may have an internal acoustic control portion 903, which is made of a material similar to or the same as that of the implant 902 itself. For example, the acoustic control portion 903 of the implant 902 may be a structural modification of the implant's interior, such as a geometric design, porous structure, cavity, density variation, etc., formed in the material of the implant 902. Furthermore, a geometric structure may also be formed on the surface of the implant 902. Figure 9C An example implant 902 is shown, which has a portion 904 formed of a material 906 different from the implant 902 itself, thereby forming an acoustic control portion 908 of the implant 902 by means of a first material disposed within the second material.

[0046] Figures 10 to 13 An example system 100 is shown employing an acoustic control device 102 comprising one or more transmission implants 1002. Figures 10-11BAn acoustic control screw 1004 for acoustic spatial filtering 1006 is shown. This acoustic control screw 1004 may have an internal structure 1008 containing a metamaterial gradient 1010 to define the acoustic control effect. For example, the screw 1004 may have a specific acoustic material gradient distribution 1012 that transmits acoustic energy 1014 from the screw 1004 side 1016 to the internal fixation plate 1018. Thus, the internal fixation plate 1018 can vibrate to improve the healing process while preventing acoustic energy transmission to the threads 1020, thereby preventing loosening due to vibration. The primary function of the acoustic control screw 1004 may be a structural screw for securing the fixation plate 1018 in place, or the acoustic control screw 1004 may be dedicated solely to transmitting acoustic signals 108 to the fixation plate 1018 without a primary fixation / reinforcement function. In some cases, plate vibrations induced by the acoustic signals 108 can stimulate bone ingrowth into the plate 1018. When asymmetric plates and / or asymmetric tissues are present, vibration of a portion of the plate 1018 can compensate for the asymmetry and promote more uniform bone growth on the plate. Furthermore, as... Figure 11B As shown, the acoustic wave transmission path 1022 can be defined by a metamaterial 1024 in the screw 1004, which has a high-to-low material gradient 1010 or density channel (or vice versa), thereby directing the acoustic waves to the side 1014 of the screw 1004 or any particular direction.

[0047] Figures 12A to 12D An example system 100 is shown that includes an acoustic impedance matching patch 1202, which is suitable for a spinal rod 1204 and / or a fixation plate. Such an acoustic control device 102 may include the patch 1202 mounted on an existing spinal rod 1204, for example, as a retrofit. Alternatively, the patch 1202 may also be applied to the aforementioned acoustic control rod 502. The patch 1202 may have a gradient refractive index 1206 (impedance) at the boundary 1208 between two media with significant differences in acoustic impedance. In these patches, the acoustic impedance (e.g., sound velocity) may gradually change from medium #1 1210 to medium #2 1214. This gradient characteristic 1216 reduces sound wave reflection and improves sound wave transmission.

[0048] like Figure 12A As shown, the implant 1218 may comprise two matching layers, both located within the sound wave propagation path. One layer may serve as an outer layer adjacent to or near the skin, and the other layer may serve as an inner layer adjacent to or near the rod 1204. The patch material may be a biodegradable material (such as silk) that gradually dissolves over time.

[0049] In addition, the acoustic impedance matching implant 1218 may employ one or more of three structures: porous structure, two-dimensional array structure and / or layered structure. Figure 12AA first example of a porous implant 1220 and a two-dimensional array implant is shown. The porous structure 1220 can be manufactured using chemical processes and / or 3D printing technology. Therefore, the porosity can be precisely controlled to achieve specific acoustic control effects. Furthermore, the porosity can be corresponding to specific dimensions to promote cell growth into the pores. Figure 12B The first acoustic path 1222 of the acoustic signal 108 on the spinal rod is shown in the case where the patch is omitted. Figure 12B The second acoustic path 1224, through / around the spinal rod, is also shown when the acoustic implant is present. Figure 12C Example 1226 of the layered structure of the acoustic control patch is shown. Figure 12D This shows the first acoustic path of the acoustic signal 108 on the spinal rod when no layered structure patch is used. Figure 12D Also shown is a second acoustic path 1224 through / around the spinal rod 1204 in the case of a layered acoustic implant 1226. The spinal rod 1204 (e.g., and any acoustic control device 102 described herein) can be used to manipulate shear sound waves and / or pressure sound waves.

[0050] Figure 13 An example of an acoustic absorbing implant 1302 is shown for absorbing high-energy sound waves 1304 that may cause temporary or significant damage to body parts such as organs, soft tissues, nerves, or bones. The degree of damage depends on factors such as the intensity, frequency, and duration of the sound wave signal 108. Sound waves cause damage primarily through two pathways: direct mechanical effects and / or cavitation effects. In medical cases where the therapeutic effects of sound waves are desired while minimizing potential damage to adjacent tissues, it may be beneficial to use metamaterial 1306 to shield surrounding tissues. This metamaterial 1306 can shield sensitive areas 1308 through two mechanisms: attenuating sound energy and / or reflecting sound energy to non-sensitive areas and / or target areas 1310.

[0051] Figure 14 An example method for controlling the acoustic signal 108 via the acoustic control device 102 is shown.

[0052] In some examples, in operation step 1402, method 1400 may emit acoustic signals to a user's body part or the user's implant via one or more speakers. In operation step 1404, method 1400 may manipulate the acoustic signals via a metamaterial having a non-uniform material distribution in at least one of the following ways: focusing the acoustic signals; causing the acoustic signals to form vortices; transmitting the acoustic signals; absorbing the acoustic signals; or redirecting, guiding, or bending the sound waves.

[0053] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method described in this disclosure is merely an exemplary scheme and can be adjusted within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, any operation described in this disclosure may be omitted, repeated, performed in parallel, performed in a different order, and / or combined with other operations described in this disclosure.

[0054] While this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Numerous variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, the specific embodiments of this disclosure are described within a particular implementation context. In different embodiments, functional modules may be separated or combined in different ways, and different terms may be used to describe them. Such variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An acoustic enhancement system, comprising: One or more speakers; as well as An acoustic control patch formed of a metamaterial having a non-uniform material distribution, non-uniform geometry, or non-uniform material properties, which is operable to manipulate acoustic signals from one or more speakers and directed to parts of the user's body.

2. The acoustic enhancement system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The acoustic control patch includes an acoustic Fresnel lens or an acoustic Luneburg lens formed on a substrate; as well as Manipulating the acoustic signal includes focusing the acoustic signal, forming an acoustic vortex from the acoustic signal, redirecting the acoustic signal, guiding the acoustic signal, or bending the acoustic signal.

3. The acoustic enhancement system as described in claim 2, further comprising: Acoustic control implant, comprising a bone graft patch, said bone graft patch having: Acoustic focusing node array; or One or more openings for placement around a transverse process or spinous process.

4. The acoustic enhancement system as described in claim 3, further comprising: Wearable devices that are operable to provide at least one of acoustic actuation or acoustic sensing.

5. The acoustic enhancement system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The metamaterial includes at least one of the following: Multiple concentric circles of the first material are set on the second material; The first material is arranged in a spiral shape on the second material; or Multiple fan-shaped slice regions, wherein the percentage of the first material in the second material increases sequentially.

6. The acoustic enhancement system of claim 1, further comprising: A bone graft strip having rows of acoustic focusing nodes and operable to wrap at least a portion of bone.

7. The acoustic enhancement system of claim 1, further comprising: An acoustically controlled spinal rod having a circular cross-sectional profile; as well as The non-uniform material distribution comprises a concentric gradient having a minimum percentage of the acoustic control material at the outer circumference of the circular cross-sectional profile and a maximum percentage of the acoustic control material at the center of the circular cross-sectional profile.

8. The acoustic enhancement system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The acoustic control patch includes an acoustic focusing node or an acoustic vortex node, and the acoustic control patch has one or more screw receiving portions.

9. The acoustic enhancement system as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The acoustic focusing node or the acoustic vortex node is operable to provide deep brain acoustic stimulation.

10. The acoustic enhancement system of claim 1, further comprising: A drug-eluting implant operable to release a drug in response to a focused acoustic signal or a vortex acoustic signal generated by manipulation of the acoustic signal by the acoustic control patch.

11. An acoustic control device, comprising: A main body with primary medical functions is composed of a metamaterial having a non-uniform material distribution of one or more materials, such that the non-uniform material distribution can be operated to controllably manipulate acoustic signals from one or more speakers.

12. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The one or more materials form a three-dimensional implant, which includes at least one of a sphere, a cube, or a cylinder.

13. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The one or more materials include: a first material and a second material, wherein the first material is a coating of the second material; and The second material contains an implant.

14. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The acoustic control device is formed as a screw with a threaded portion; and The non-uniform material distribution can be operated to: The acoustic signals from the one or more speakers are transmitted from the side of the screw to the mounting plate, and Prevent the acoustic signal from being transmitted to the threaded portion.

15. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The metamaterial includes an acoustic impedance matching patch placed on the spinal rod to form an acoustic path through or around the spinal rod.

16. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The non-uniform material distribution is formed in at least one of the following structures: porous structure, multiple two-dimensional arrays, or layered structure.

17. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The non-uniform material distribution causes the acoustic control device to absorb the acoustic signal, thereby shielding the target area from the influence of the acoustic signal.

18. The acoustic control device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The target area shielded from the acoustic signal includes at least one of soft tissue, organ, nerve, or bone.

19. A method for controlling an acoustic signal, the method comprising: Emit acoustic signals from one or more speakers to parts of the user's body or the user's implants; as well as The acoustic signal is manipulated using metamaterials with non-uniform material distribution in at least one of the following ways: Focus the acoustic signal; The acoustic signal is vortexed. Transmit the acoustic signal; or The acoustic signal is absorbed.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, Manipulating the acoustic signal includes focusing the acoustic signal; and The method also includes eluting drugs from the user's implant in response to the implant receiving a focused acoustic signal.

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