Nerve Electrode Insertion Apparatus with Aligned Fixing and Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apparatuses for inserting electrode structures into nerves are prone to damaging the nerve or the electrode due to strong impacts and require precise aiming, making precise insertion difficult and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a nerve fixing part and an electrode structure ejector on the same axis, utilizing alignment slits and elastic elements to facilitate precise and gentle insertion of the electrode structure into the nerve, allowing for controlled linear movement and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pneumatic apparatus is used to eject electrode structure, then the electrode structure can be inserted into the nerve, but strong impacts are generated which may damage the nerve or the electrode structure
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from a static pneumatic ejection system to a dynamic mechanical pushing system where the pushing part can be manually actuated to gradually push the electrode structure along the insertion path, allowing controlled movement that avoids impact damage while maintaining insertion precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (gas pressure-based) with a direct mechanical pushing system where a pushing part physically contacts and gradually moves the electrode structure, eliminating the impact forces generated by pneumatic ejection while maintaining controlled insertion
2Ease of operation
If conventional apparatus requires precise aiming prediction, then insertion direction can be controlled, but it becomes difficult to precisely insert the electrode structure into a desired location and requires extra devices
Solution Approach 1:
The nerve fixing part acts as an intermediary that first secures the nerve in a fixed position, providing a stable reference frame that eliminates the need for precise aiming prediction. The alignment slit then guides the electrode structure along a predetermined path to the target location, achieving precision without requiring additional aiming devices
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs preliminary fixation of the nerve using the nerve fixing part with alignment slit before insertion occurs. This preliminary alignment action establishes the insertion path in advance, making the actual insertion process simpler and more precise without requiring complex real-time aiming control
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional apparatus needs to be fixed for use to enable precise insertion, then insertion precision can be achieved, but user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a nerve fixing part for securing the nerve, a pushing part for actuating insertion, and an electrode structure holder. This modular design allows each component to perform its function independently, maintaining precision while improving ease of operation through organized, manageable components
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment slit in the nerve fixing part automatically guides the electrode structure along the correct insertion path without requiring external alignment devices or complex positioning mechanisms. The structure itself provides the alignment function, eliminating the need for additional precision-maintaining devices that would reduce convenience
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 stable and precise insertion of the electrode structure into the nerve with minimal damage, improving user convenience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element disposed on top of the nerve fixing part to fix the nerve fixing part, wherein the first elastic element is compressed when a force equal to or greater than a first critical value is applied
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic element disposed on bottom of the electrode structure ejector to fix the electrode structure ejector, wherein the second elastic element is compressed when a force equal to or greater than a second critical value is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inserting an electrode structure into nerve in tissue of a living body includes a nerve fixing part which fixes the nerve such that at least part of the nerve is hung thereon, and an electrode structure ejector on which the electrode structure is mounted, and which moves the electrode structure in insertion direction to insert the electrode structure into the fixed part of the nerve, wherein the nerve fixing part and the electrode structure ejector are disposed on the same axis.