Auditory Ossicle Prosthesis with Tunable Lever Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing auditory ossicle prostheses have limited sound transmission between the middle ear and inner ear due to their rigid nature, failing to adequately replace the natural anatomical forms of the auditory ossicle chain, resulting in suboptimal hearing outcomes for patients with missing or damaged ossicles.

Innovation Solution

The development of an auditory ossicle prosthesis with adjustable frequency sound conduction, featuring elastic materials and articulated joints that mimic the natural lever conditions of the auditory ossicle chain, allowing for customizable attachment points and lever paths to enhance sound transmission, including the use of biocompatible materials and adjustable mass distribution for optimal frequency response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If auditory ossicle prosthesis is made rigid, then structural stability is improved, but sound transmission flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsound transmission flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates an articulated joint with articulation freedom instead of a rigid connection, allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to different positions and angles while maintaining stability. This enables the prosthesis to simulate natural ossicle movement and achieve optimal sound transmission across various frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows adjustment of lever conditions and articulation parameters to optimize sound transmission for different frequency ranges. By changing the articulation freedom and lever arm lengths, the prosthesis can be tuned to address specific hearing losses in different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If auditory ossicle prosthesis uses simple structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sound transmission effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsound transmission effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into separate components including a first rod, second rod, and articulated joint with ball and socket connection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard techniques while the assembled structure achieves complex sound transmission functionality that simple monolithic designs cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If auditory ossicle prosthesis lacks articulation freedom, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual patient conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to individual patient conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated joint provides articulation freedom that allows the prosthesis to adapt to individual patient anatomies and hearing loss patterns. The dynamic adjustment capability enables customization of lever conditions and frequency response without requiring multiple different prosthesis designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution significantly improves hearing by allowing specific tuning of sound conduction, addressing hearing gaps in the audible frequency band and providing a high degree of movability and adaptability, resulting in better hearing comfort and treatment options for individual hearing issues.

Implementation Method 1

the auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) is made of an elastic material or a material having at least one articulated joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

means are provided for adjusting the frequency (=tuning) or sound conduction in the middle ear, in particulate to adjust the lever conditions in the auditory ossicle chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS7871439B2Auditory ossicle prosthesis with tuning option

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 HEINZ KURZ MEDIZINTECHN

AI summary

An auditory ossicle prosthesis (40) which replaces or bridges at least one element in the human auditory ossicle chain, whereby the auditory ossicle prosthesis (40) is made of an elastic material or a material having at least one articulated connection, is characterised in that means for frequency adjustment (=tuning) are arranged for sound transmission in the middle ear, in particular to change the lever conditions in the auditory ossicle chain. In this way sound transmission between the middle ear area and the inner ear of the human auditory canal is considerably improved, whereby, in particular, optimum adaptation to the individually differing conditions and a tailor-made solution to the problems and deficiencies in the patient in question are made possible.