Simulator System for Middle Ear Implant Acoustic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulator systems for testing middle ear implants rely on expensive and error-prone laser Doppler vibrometers, and require anatomical preparations from cadaver parts, which are costly, difficult to obtain, and prone to variability.
Innovation Solution
A simulator system using a physical ear model made entirely of artificial materials, including plastics and metal parts, with a second functional section simulating the inner ear and a detection device featuring a hydrophone to measure acoustic properties without the need for cadaver parts or laser Doppler vibrometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human temporal bone specimens are used for testing middle ear implants, then measurement accuracy and realism are improved, but availability and reproducibility deteriorate due to limited cadaver supply and ethical restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a 3D-printed virtual model of the human temporal bone and middle ear that replicates the anatomical structure and acoustic properties without requiring actual cadaver specimens. The virtual model includes detailed geometric representations of the cochlea, ossicles, and other ear components that can be repeatedly used for testing middle ear implants, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating availability constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical mechanical system of cadaveric temporal bones with a virtual computational model. The physical specimen is substituted by a digitally generated 3D model that can be manipulated, measured, and tested through computer-based simulation, thereby maintaining the functional requirements for acoustic measurement while eliminating the limitations of physical cadaver supply.
2Measurement precision
If laser Doppler vibrometers are used for measuring acoustic properties, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex optical measurement system (laser Doppler vibrometer) with a simpler acoustic measurement approach using microphones and acoustic signals. Instead of using optical lasers to measure vibrations, the system uses acoustic excitation and acoustic sensing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure acoustic properties of the middle ear implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive microphones and standard acoustic signal generators instead of expensive laser Doppler vibrometers. These simpler, more affordable components achieve the required measurement capabilities through alternative acoustic measurement methods, thereby reducing equipment cost and complexity while maintaining measurement validity.
3Reliability
If cadaver parts are used for testing, then anatomical realism is improved, but operational cost and ethical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the human temporal bone and middle ear anatomy that preserves all anatomical details and acoustic characteristics without requiring actual cadaver parts. This virtual replica can be generated multiple times from digital models, eliminating the need to purchase, store, and ethically manage real cadaver specimens, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining anatomical realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the physical cadaveric specimens with a virtual computational model that replicates anatomical structure and acoustic properties. This substitution eliminates the ethical and financial complexities of working with real human remains, while the virtual model can be endlessly replicated and modified for testing purposes.
4Measurement precision
If physical ear models with fluid-filled cavities are used, then measurement reproducibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical fluid-filled cavity model with a virtual acoustic model that simulates the same acoustic environment. Instead of using actual fluid-filled anatomical structures, the system uses computational acoustic field simulations that replicate the acoustic properties without requiring physical fluids, cavities, or complex mechanical assembly, thereby maintaining reproducibility while reducing 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 system provides a cost-effective, compact, and easily transportable solution for reproducibly measuring the acoustic properties of middle ear implants, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and cadaver materials while ensuring realistic and reproducible test results.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure probe comprises a hydrophone, which is arranged within the closed cavity at least partially surrounded by the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
A simulator system (10) for measuring acoustic properties of passive middle ear implants (14'; 14"; 14"), comprising a physical ear model (11) for biometrically simulating parts of the human ear, comprising a first functional section (12') that simulates the human middle ear, a detection device (13) for measuring acoustic parameters of a middle ear implant inserted into the first functional section, and an evaluation module (15) for storing and evaluating the measured parameter data, is characterized in that the physical ear model contains exclusively artificial materials, including plastics and/or metal parts, that the ear model comprises a second functional section (12") that simulates the human inner ear and has a closed cavity (16) filled with fluid (16a),that the detection device comprises at least one pressure probe (17) arranged on an outer wall or within the closed cavity, which comprises a hydrophone (17') within the cavity, which is arranged on an inner surface of the cavity in the liquid; that an electrical signal line (18) leads from the detection device to the evaluation module, a portion of which passes sealed through the cavity and opens into the hydrophone. This biomimetic-based system completely dispenses with preparations made from cadaver parts, is inexpensive, compact, easy to transport, and achieves permanently reproducible measurement results.