Monolithic Retinal Prosthesis Fabrication via Polymer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and inefficiency of fabricating intraocular retinal prosthesis systems, which typically require multiple fabrication processes for separate components and do not consider the topology of target retinal cells, making them time-consuming and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic fabrication process that integrates all components of the retinal prosthesis, including an electrode array, power, and data management regions, with a cable connecting them, optimized for enhanced retinal stimulation, using polymer layers and conductive materials like parylene, allowing for simultaneous fabrication of multiple systems with geometries suitable for intraocular implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate fabrication processes are used for each component (electrode array, power management, data management), then each component can be optimized individually, but the overall fabrication process becomes overly complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fabrication of electrode arrays, power management circuits, and data management circuits into a single monolithic fabrication process. All components are patterned and interconnected on the same substrate simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate fabrication processes and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining component optimization through integrated design
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate fabrication processes are used for each component, then each component can be independently manufactured, but the overall fabrication time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manufacturing of all prosthesis components into a single fabrication run where electrode arrays, power management circuits, and data management circuits are all patterned and interconnected simultaneously on one substrate, dramatically reducing total fabrication time while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized processes
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode array designs are used, then fabrication is simpler, but the arrays do not take into consideration the topology of target retinal cells, reducing stimulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the electrode spacing and density across different regions of the electrode array to match the non-uniform topology of retinal ganglion cells. The electrode pattern is specifically designed with higher density in regions corresponding to higher ganglion cell density areas of the retina, optimizing stimulation effectiveness while maintaining fabrication compatibility with standard photolithographic processes
Data Source
AI summary
Intraocular retinal prosthesis devices and methods for fabricating the same. A prosthesis device includes a cable region that connects an electrode array region with a power and data management region. The electrode array region includes one or more arrays of exposed electrodes, and the power and data management region includes various power and control elements. The power and data management elements, in one aspect, include an RF coil or coils and circuit arrangements and/or chips configured to provide drive signals to the electrodes via a cable and receive power and signals from the RF coil or coils. Each region includes elements fabricated on or in a single polymer layer during the same fabrication process.