Cochlear Implant Electrode Array with Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants, primarily rely on electrical stimulation and lack an effective mechanism to utilize natural fluid pressure changes within the cochlea for sound perception, which can limit their ability to mimic natural hearing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant electrode array integrated with a pressure receptor and sensor system that senses fluid pressure changes within the cochlea, allowing for the conversion of these changes into electrical signals for stimulation, thereby enhancing sound perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If cochlear implants rely solely on electrical stimulation, then the device structure can be simplified, but the ability to mimic natural hearing processes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical stimulation function of the cochlear implant with the natural sound detection function of the oval window membrane into a single integrated device. The implant includes both electrodes for electrical stimulation and a portion of the oval window membrane that naturally detects sound pressure changes, allowing the device to perform both functions simultaneously without requiring separate components.
2Device complexity
If hearing prostheses use only air conduction amplification, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot effectively utilize natural fluid pressure changes in the cochlea
Solution Approach 1:
The oval window membrane acts as an intermediary element that transfers natural sound pressure changes from the air conduction path directly into the cochlear fluid. This membrane portion is integrated into the implant structure, allowing it to mediate between the external sound environment and the internal cochlear fluid, thereby preserving and utilizing natural fluid pressure changes that would otherwise be lost.
3Ease of manufacture
If cochlear implants convert all sound to electrical stimulation, then the conversion process is straightforward, but it loses the benefits of natural mechanical transduction
Solution Approach 1:
The implant structure incorporates different functional qualities in different regions: the oval window membrane portion maintains its natural mechanical transduction properties for detecting sound pressure changes, while the electrode array provides electrical stimulation capability. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specialized function optimally, with the membrane handling mechanical detection and the electrodes handling neural stimulation.
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
This integration enables more natural sound processing by utilizing fluid pressure changes, potentially improving sound perception and reducing the reliance on external components, leading to a more effective and efficient hearing prosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus configured to sense phenomenon of fluid in a cochlea
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a cochlear implant electrode array and an apparatus configured to sense a phenomenon of fluid in a cochlea, wherein the apparatus and the electrode array are a single unit.