Pre-Curved Electrode Array Loading Tool for Cochlear Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for loading and reloading pre-curved electrode arrays onto straightening members are cumbersome and often result in damage to the electrode arrays, complicating medical procedures for cochlear implantation.

Innovation Solution

A loading tool with a housing and a slider member that allows the pre-curved electrode array to be transitioned from a curved to a straightened configuration, facilitating easy insertion and reinsertion of a straightening member, thereby minimizing damage and procedural delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current manual methods are used to load pre-curved electrode arrays onto straightening members, then the procedure can be completed, but the process is cumbersome and results in damage to the electrode arrays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode array integrityVSAvoidloading process difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A loading tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the pre-curved electrode array and the straightening member. The loading tool includes a curved configuration for receiving the pre-curved electrode array and a straightening channel for guiding it onto the straightening member, thereby protecting the electrode array from direct handling damage while facilitating the loading process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading tool is prepared in advance with the curved configuration and straightening channel already formed. The pre-curved electrode array is first received in the curved configuration, then gradually straightened through the straightening channel before insertion, preventing damage that would occur from abrupt straightening or direct insertion attempts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If pre-curved electrode arrays are manually loaded onto straightening members, then the task can be completed, but significant time is lost due to procedural delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The loading process is segmented into distinct stages within the loading tool: first the curved configuration receives the pre-curved electrode array, then the straightening channel gradually straightens it, and finally the insertion guide facilitates smooth insertion. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and reduces overall loading time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex manual manipulation required for traditional loading is replaced by a mechanical loading tool with predetermined geometric features. The curved configuration and straightening channel provide automatic guidance and positioning, eliminating the need for skilled manual dexterity and reducing loading time significantly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8954169B2Systems and methods for loading a pre-curved electrode array onto a straightening member

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

Exemplary systems and methods for loading a pre-curved electrode array onto a straightening member are described herein. An exemplary system may include a loading tool including a housing and a slider member disposed at least partially within the housing. The slider member may be slidable from a first position to a second position and configured to move a pre-curved electrode array from a curved configuration to a straightened configuration as it slides from the first position to the second position. The exemplary system may also include a straightening member configured to be inserted into the pre-curved electrode array. Corresponding methods are also described.