Flexible Retinal Prosthesis Electrode Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retinal prosthesis devices are limited by the size of wiring implants, image resolution, and mismatch between micro electrodes and non-planar retina tissues, leading to restricted field of view and image resolution, which hinders effective vision restoration for patients with age-related macular disease and retinitis pigmentosa.
Innovation Solution
A flexible integrated circuit device with a CMOS chip that integrates micro electrodes, photo sensors, and signal processing, capable of conforming to the retina's shape, includes a mosaic of sub-modules, perforations for fluid flow, and adjustable electrode heights to target specific neuron layers, and features on-chip signal processing and external calibration for optimal stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate wiring implant is used to control each micro electrode, then individual electrode control is achieved, but field of view is severely limited due to size limitation on wiring implant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode array and wiring implant into a single integrated flexible substrate structure. Multiple micro electrodes are arranged in a dense array on the flexible substrate, which contains integrated wiring pathways. This combination eliminates the need for separate wiring implants for each electrode, enabling both individual electrode control and a larger field of view within the same device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar rigid electrode array to a three-dimensional flexible substrate that can conform to the curved retinal surface. This dimensional change allows the electrode array to expand across a larger retinal area (increasing field of view) while maintaining individual electrode addressing through the flexible substrate's integrated wiring architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If driving circuit chips are separate from electrode or image sensor chips, then functional separation is achieved, but number of electrical interconnections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the driving circuitry directly onto the flexible substrate alongside the electrode array and image sensor. This monolithic integration eliminates the need for separate driving circuit chips and their associated electrical interconnections. The flexible substrate serves as a common platform that hosts all functional components, reducing interconnection complexity while maintaining functional separation through spatial arrangement and circuit design.
3Ease of manufacture
If micro electrodes are made from planner chips, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but mismatch with non-planar retina tissues causes additional interferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible thin-film substrate to manufacture the electrode array, replacing traditional rigid planar chips. This flexible substrate can be bent and conform to the non-planar retinal tissue surface, eliminating shape mismatch and associated interferences. The flexible manufacturing process maintains ease of production while achieving precise conformity to the curved retinal geometry through material selection and fabrication techniques.
4Ease of manufacture
If micro electrodes are made from planner chips, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but image resolution is limited due to mismatch in shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate enables a higher density of micro electrodes to be packed within the same physical footprint by conforming to the retinal curvature. This increased electrode density, combined with the shape-matched design that eliminates spacing losses, achieves higher image resolution. The flexible manufacturing process maintains simplicity while enabling denser electrode arrangements that improve spatial sampling and visual acuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for configuring an implantable device to interface with retina cells are described. The device may comprise an array of pixel units capable of stimulating the retina cells are described. The pixel units may operate in a mode of operation selected from a plurality of modes including a normal mode and a calibration mode. A control circuitry of the device may be configured to switch the mode of operation for the pixel units. In one embodiment, the pixel units may be configured to receive light for stimulating the retina cells during the normal mode to enable perception of the light. During the calibration mode, the pixel units may be configured to adjust amount of stimulation to the retina cells.