Implantable Middle Ear Transducer Vibration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing middle ear implantable hearing aid systems face challenges in measuring the vibration of implanted vibratory bodies due to difficulties in using methods like Laser Doppler Velocimetry post-implantation, as scar tissue, fluid buildup, or other growths can impede movement, making it hard to assess the effectiveness and integrity of the vibratory body over time.
Innovation Solution
An implantable system with an elongate vibratory body having first and second piezoelectric bodies separated by a central vane, where one piezoelectric body is driven to vibrate and the other is used to sense changes, allowing for detection of decoupling or impedance issues, using a switch to alternate between driving and sensing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Laser Doppler Velocimetry is used to measure vibration of implanted vibratory body, then measurement capability is provided, but post-implantation measurement becomes difficult due to scar tissue, fluid buildup, or other growths impeding the measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from an external device (Laser Doppler Velocimetry system requiring external access) and integrates it into the implanted vibratory body itself through piezoelectric sensing elements. This allows vibration measurement without external equipment, eliminating the accessibility problem caused by scar tissue and fluid buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces piezoelectric bodies as intermediary elements that convert mechanical vibration directly into electrical signals within the implant. These piezoelectric sensors act as mediators between the vibratory body and the measurement system, enabling indirect measurement that bypasses the need for external optical access.
2Device complexity
If a single piezoelectric body is used in the vibratory body, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect decoupling or impedance changes over time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the piezoelectric bodies multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as actuators (when driven by voltage) and as sensors (when measuring voltage output). This dual functionality allows the same structural elements to perform both vibration generation and vibration measurement, eliminating the need for separate sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the piezoelectric bodies to continuously monitor vibration characteristics and provide this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables detection of changes in vibratory performance, decoupling events, or impedance changes over time, allowing for reliability monitoring without additional components.
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
Enables effective measurement of vibration and detection of decoupling or impedance changes in the vibratory body over time, allowing for timely intervention and maintaining the efficacy of the middle ear implant.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable system with an elongate vibratory body having first and second piezoelectric bodies separated by a central vane, where one piezoelectric body is driven to vibrate and the other is used to sense changes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for measuring vibration of an implanted elongate vibrating body coupled to a bone of the middle ear. One system includes an elongate vibratory body having a first and second piezoelectric body separated by a central vane. The piezoelectric bodies and central vane can be individually electrically coupleable to an implantable electronic device. The electronic device can have a switch, driving circuitry and sensing circuitry within. In normal use, the driving circuitry is coupled through the switch to drive both piezoelectric bodies causing the vibratory body to vibrate. In diagnostic use, one piezoelectric body is driven while the other piezoelectric body is sensed to detect changes in vibration indicative of decoupling or undesirable impedance of the vibratory body.