Retina Clip with Spring-Suspended Platform for Stable Retinal Prosthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retinal prosthetic devices experience reduced efficacy due to instability and pressure distribution issues caused by single-point retention methods, leading to electrode array drift and recalibration needs.
Innovation Solution
A retina clip design featuring a circular outer ring with retention members, such as spikes or eyelets, and an inner platform suspended by springs to securely hold a payload like a microelectrode array against the retina, providing controlled pressure and stability through adjustable spring configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-point retention methods are used to secure retinal prosthetics, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and pressure distribution deteriorate causing electrode array drift
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is segmented into multiple discrete spikes distributed around the peripheral edge of the outer ring, rather than using a single retention point. This segmentation allows the prosthetic device to be secured at multiple locations simultaneously, preventing electrode array drift while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a single-point retention approach to a distributed peripheral retention approach by utilizing the circumferential dimension of the outer ring. Multiple spikes are positioned around the peripheral edge, utilizing angular distribution to achieve stable pressure distribution across the retina without increasing radial complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If single-point retention methods are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but pressure distribution deteriorates leading to recalibration needs
Solution Approach 1:
The single retention point is segmented into multiple discrete spikes positioned around the peripheral edge. This segmentation enables distributed pressure application across the retinal surface, improving pressure distribution uniformity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized spike geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism changes from a single high-pressure point to multiple distributed pressure points with optimized spacing. By adjusting the number, size, and angular distribution of spikes, pressure distribution parameters are optimized to eliminate drift and reduce recalibration needs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple retention members are used to improve stability, then electrode array stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure uses multiple discrete spikes positioned at specific angular intervals around the peripheral edge. This segmented approach provides stable multi-point retention while keeping individual spike elements simple and manufacturable, balancing stability with structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer ring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for the device, houses the payload (electrode array), supports the spring mechanism for pressure application, and incorporates the distributed spike retention members. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite using multiple retention members.
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
The retina clip maintains the electrode array in a stable position, ensuring consistent retinal cell stimulation and reducing recalibration requirements, while the controlled pressure distribution enhances the effectiveness of retinal prosthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an inner platform configured to hold a payload against a retina of an eye, where the inner platform is suspended from the inner ring via several springs
Implementation Method 2
the outer ring, the inner platform, and the several springs are made of nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
A retina clip in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a retina clip including an outer ring having a means of retention against the retina, and an inner platform configured to hold a payload against the retina of an eye, where the inner platform is suspended from the inner ring via several springs. In many embodiments, the springs are flexures. The springs can be modified to generate a desired deflection based on a given payload attached to the inner platform. In numerous embodiments, the payload is a microelectrode array used as part of a retinal prosthetic.