Fully Implantable Modular Cochlear Implant with Detachable Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cochlear implants face challenges with component replacement and upgrade due to their implantation in sensitive areas, leading to tissue damage and inefficiencies in electrical communication, and there is a need for improved power management and modularity to accommodate technological advancements.

Innovation Solution

A fully implantable modular cochlear implant system with detachable connectors and impedance control between circuitry and housing components, allowing for individual component replacement and upgrade without disturbing other parts, and using an implantable battery and communication module for efficient power and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are implanted internally in the cochlea, then hearing function is improved, but component replacement becomes difficult and causes tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing functionVSAvoidcomponent replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cochlear implant system is divided into separate functional modules: a permanent implantable portion (receiver/stimulator with electrodes) and a replaceable external portion (signal processor). This segmentation allows the sensitive internal components to remain in place while enabling easy replacement of the external signal processor through simple connector detachment, eliminating the need for complex surgical procedures for upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A detachable connector serves as an intermediary interface between the internal implantable components and the external signal processor. This connector enables electrical and data communication while allowing easy separation and reconnection, facilitating component replacement without disturbing the implanted electrodes or requiring surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing circuitry is upgraded to reflect technological advancements, then performance is improved, but replacement procedures cause tissue damage and healing issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing technologyVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the processing circuitry into an external, replaceable signal processor that connects to the internal implant via a detachable connector. This allows the signal processor to be upgraded with new processing technology while the internal implantable portion with its electrodes remains permanently in place, avoiding repeated surgical procedures that would damage cochlear tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If power supply is included with internal components, then operation is enabled, but power supply performance degrades over time requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveoperationVSAvoidpower supply lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply is integrated into the external signal processor rather than being fixed within the internal implantable components. This allows the power supply to be replaced simultaneously with the signal processor when it degrades, without requiring surgical intervention to access or replace the internal power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of information

If electrical signals are transmitted through the patient's body, then communication is achieved, but safety standards limit current flow and body acts as undesired signal path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal communicationVSAvoidundesired signal path

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable connector acts as an intermediary that establishes controlled electrical pathways between the internal implant and external processor. By localizing the electrical connection at the connector interface rather than requiring signals to traverse through the patient's body, the system achieves communication while minimizing undesired signal paths and adhering to safety current limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12390634B2Fully implantable modular cochlear implant system

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 ENVOY MEDICAL CORP

AI summary

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, a signal processor in communication with the stimulator, and an implantable battery and/or communication module. The signal processor can receive an input signal from an input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and a transfer function of the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module may be configured to provide electrical power to the signal processor. The signal processor may include circuitry and a can surrounding and housing the circuitry as well as a first impedance between the circuitry and the can to reduce unintended electrical communication. The implantable battery and/or communication module may include circuitry and a can surrounding and housing the circuitry as well as a second impedance between the circuitry and the can to reduce unintended electrical communication.