Hermetic Package for Retinal Prosthesis with Flexible Electrode Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retinal prostheses are large and bulky, failing to provide adequate simulated vision for the visually impaired due to their mechanical instability and inability to effectively stimulate retinal cells, which limits their effectiveness in restoring vision in cases of photoreceptor degenerative diseases.
Innovation Solution
A hermetic package for a retinal prosthesis featuring a flexible circuit electrode array connected to a hermetic electronics package with a secondary inductive coil, held together by a molded silicone body that minimizes the device's height and includes a strap fan tail for secure attachment to the sclera, promoting healing and reducing obstruction during eye movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing retinal prosthesis designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device size is large and bulky, causing mechanical instability and inadequate vision simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inductive coil inside the hermetic package cavity. The coil is positioned within the package body, surrounded by the hermetic seal, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall device volume while maintaining structural integrity and mechanical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible circuit electrode array that can be conformally attached to the retinal surface. This flexible film structure allows the device to adapt to the curved retinal geometry, improving mechanical stability and contact quality while minimizing the distance between electrodes and visual neurons
2Ease of operation
If existing retinal prosthesis designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the distance between electrodes and visual neurons is not minimized, limiting stimulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit electrode array is designed as a thin film structure that can be conformally attached directly to the retinal surface. This enables the electrodes to be positioned in close proximity to the visual neurons, minimizing the stimulation distance and improving operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional conformal structure that follows the curvature of the retina. This dimensional adaptation allows electrodes to maintain optimal distance from visual neurons across the curved retinal surface, enhancing stimulation effectiveness
3Length of stationary object
If a hermetic package with minimized height is used, then the device profile is low and obstruction is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the hermetic package structure: the package body serves as both the protective enclosure and the mounting platform for the inductive coil. The base layer integrates the electrode array connections, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall height while simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic package base is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, serving as a mounting substrate for the coil, establishing electrical connections through the flexible circuit array, and enabling hermetic sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering manufacturing complexity despite the minimized height constraint
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 solution enables a more stable and compact retinal prosthesis that effectively stimulates retinal cells, providing focused artificial vision and minimizing the risk of device damage or infection, thus improving vision restoration for individuals with blindness caused by retinal diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an improved hermetic package for a retinal prosthesis implanted in the human body. The retinal prosthesis includes a flexible circuit electrode array suitable to stimulate the retina while connected to a hermetic package on the outside of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved hermetic package for a retinal prosthesis implanted in the human body. The retinal prosthesis includes a flexible circuit electrode array suitable to stimulate the retina while connected to a hermetic package on the outside of the eye, the hermetic package including a cover and a base where the cover is bonded to the base such that the cover and base form the hermetic package.