CMOS Optical Cochlear Implant Integration Without External Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cochlear implants using electrical stimulation are complex and require external connections, which can cause ergonomic and aesthetic impairments, while optical stimulation methods face challenges in integration and connection to external electronics.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated CMOS chip with optical elements and driver circuits for auditory nerve stimulation, allowing monolithic integration of optical elements and driver circuits, eliminating the need for external connections and enabling flexible, high-density implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional electrode arrangements are used for cochlear implantation, then the auditory nerve can be stimulated, but the device requires external connections and complex multi-layer substrate structures with low integration density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driver circuit and optical elements into a single integrated chip structure, eliminating the need for separate substrate layers and external connections. The driver circuit is directly integrated beneath the optical elements, creating a unified device that combines control and stimulation functions in one compact unit, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If μLEDs on flexible substrates are used for optical stimulation, then auditory nerve stimulation is achieved, but the production process becomes very complex with multiple fabrication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driver circuit fabrication with the optical element structure in a single integrated chip, eliminating the need for separate flexible substrate steps including polyimide layer deposition, spin-coating, RIE, sputter, lift-off, and electroplating. This unified approach significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the optical stimulation functionality.
3Ease of operation
If externally controlled μLEDs are used for stimulation, then optical stimulation is achieved, but the connection between implanted and external electronics creates ergonomic and aesthetic impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driver circuit from external electronics and integrates it directly into the implanted chip structure. By incorporating the control circuitry within the implant itself, the design eliminates all external connection requirements, thereby removing ergonomic and aesthetic impairments while maintaining full control over the optical stimulation elements.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional electrode arrangements are used, then auditory nerve stimulation is possible, but the number of electrode points limits frequency resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical electrode arrangement with an optical stimulation system using integrated μLEDs. This substitution enables higher density of stimulation points on a compact chip, achieving superior frequency resolution without the physical constraints of traditional electrode arrays, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
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 solution provides a robust, efficient, and ergonomic cochlear implant with high frequency resolution and simplified production, overcoming the limitations of conventional implants by integrating all components in a single chip, suitable for full implantation without external connections.
Implementation Method 1
the stimulation takes place by μLEDs and optogenetic manipulation of the auditory nerve
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to an apparatus for stimulating an auditory nerve with a (CMOS) chip; a plurality of optical elements for stimulating the auditory nerve; and at least one driver circuit for controlling the plurality of optical elements. The plurality of optical elements and the at least one driver circuit are integrated in the (CMOS) chip.