Bio-Inspired Artificial Cochlea with Graded Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sound processing technologies, such as microphones and digital electronics, are not reliable for capturing a wide range of frequencies, and existing artificial cochlea implants face challenges in replicating the mechanical sound processing capabilities of the human ear, limiting their effectiveness in hearing aids and human-robot interaction.

Innovation Solution

A bio-inspired acoustic bandpass sensor is developed, mimicking the geometric structure of the human basilar membrane with a piezoelectric continuum and elastomer matrix, featuring a trapezoidal geometry and embedded electrodes, capable of capturing infrasonic, sonic, and ultrasonic waves, and selecting specific user-defined frequencies, functioning as a linear transmission line with graded stiffness for spatial frequency selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microphones and digital electronics are used for sound processing, then sound can be captured and processed electronically, but reliability and effectiveness in capturing wide frequency ranges are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound processing reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent copies the geometric structure of the human basilar membrane to create an artificial cochlea that mechanically processes sound waves. By replicating the natural biological structure's shape and stiffness gradient, the device achieves reliable sound processing across wide frequency ranges, including infrasonic, sonic, and ultrasonic waves, without relying solely on electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies the stiffness parameter along the length of the basilar membrane structure, creating a gradient from stiff at the base to compliant at the apex. This parameter change enables different frequency ranges to be processed at different locations, expanding the frequency coverage while maintaining processing reliability through mechanical resonance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If existing artificial cochlea implants are used, then hearing assistance can be provided, but mechanical sound processing capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing assistance functionalityVSAvoidmechanical processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic signal processing systems with a mechanical structure that naturally processes sound waves through its geometric properties. The basilar membrane's physical structure performs frequency analysis through mechanical resonance, simplifying the overall system while enhancing mechanical sound processing capabilities for hearing assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a uniform structure is used for the basilar membrane, then manufacturing is simpler, but spatial frequency selectivity cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure fabrication simplicityVSAvoidspatial frequency selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a stiffness gradient along the basilar membrane structure, where different sections have different mechanical properties. The base region is stiffer for high-frequency processing, while the apex region is more compliant for low-frequency processing. This local variation in quality enables precise spatial frequency selectivity while remaining manufacturable through controlled material deposition or structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The sensor effectively processes and filters acoustic waves, achieving peak deflection amplitudes at specific locations, enabling spatial frequency mapping and selective hearing applications, including potential use in humanoid robots and aiding individuals with hearing impairments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrode fabricated on opposite surfaces of a piezoelectric continuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

piezoelectric continuum having a trapezoidal geometry atop an elastomer matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11924611B2Artificial cochlea for mechanical processing of sound

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

AI summary

Described herein are bio-inspired acoustic bandpass sensors with a user-defined range of frequencies mimicking the geometric structure of a human's basilar membrane to capture infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic waves per design with a target frequency range for a specific application and methods of making same.