Modular Retinal Prosthesis With Releasable Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal prostheses require invasive procedures for replacing damaged internal units, which can cause harm to the eye and are not easily upgradable or maintainable.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising an implantable passive device with electrodes and an active device with a control circuit, allowing for releasable mechanical coupling and electromagnetic or magnetic transmission of stimulation signals, enabling the active device to be replaced without disturbing the implantable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal unit is replaced through invasive procedures, then the functionality of the retinal prosthesis can be restored, but the risk of eye damage increases and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The internal unit is divided into two separate modules: a passive implantable electrode array and a replaceable active electronic device. The electrode array remains permanently implanted in the eye, while the active electronic device can be removed and replaced through the sclera without invasive procedures. This segmentation allows functionality restoration while eliminating the need for invasive replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A releasable mechanical coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the passive electrode array and the active electronic device. This coupling allows for easy attachment and detachment of the active device through the sclera, enabling non-invasive replacement while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the two components.
2Device complexity
If the internal unit is made as a single integrated component, then the structure is simpler, but replacement and maintenance become more difficult and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The internal unit is segmented into a permanent passive electrode array and a replaceable active electronic device. This modular design maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling easy replacement of the active device through non-invasive procedures, directly addressing the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of repair.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the active device is permanently fixed to the implantable device, then the connection is more stable, but replacement and upgrades become invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling between the passive electrode array and active electronic device is designed to be dynamically changeable - stable during normal operation but easily releasable when replacement is needed. The coupling mechanism maintains stable electrical connection during use but allows non-invasive detachment through the sclera, enabling both connection stability and upgradeability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the internal unit into separately replaceable modules with a releasable coupling mechanism, the system achieves both stable operation during use and easy replacement/upgrade capability, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and adaptability.
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 design allows for the active device to be replaced without invasive procedures, reducing the risk of eye damage and enabling easier maintenance and upgrades, while maintaining the implantable device's position and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the second antenna 10 is set for receiving a supply signal of an electromagnetic type, which is radiated by the first antenna 8, in such a way that, between the latter, a coupling of electromagnetic or magnetic type is formed
Implementation Method 2
between the latter, a coupling of electromagnetic or magnetic type is formed in such a way that a transfer of electric power occurs from the first antenna 8 to the second antenna 10
Implementation Method 3
The electrical connection cable 14 comprises at least one first conductive element 14a and one second conductive element 14b, and an insulating sheath 14c, which envelops the first and second conductive elements 14a, 14b. The first and second conductive elements 14a, 14b are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry 19
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a modular system for a system for electrically stimulating a biological tissue, which includes: a first device (32) including a number of electrodes (45), which in use contact the biological tissue; and a second device (34) including an electronic control circuit (55), which transmits stimulation signals. The second device may be operatively coupled in a releasable way to the first device, in such a way that the first device receives the stimulation signals transmitted by the second device.