Reversible Coupler for Implantable Ear Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable microphones for middle ear hearing implants face challenges such as non-reversibility due to the need to break the ossicular chain and fixed coupling with the ossicular chain, which limits adjustment and adaptation to anatomical changes.
Innovation Solution
An implantable microphone design featuring a coupler with a rod and tip that can be reversibly attached to the ossicular chain, using a micrometric advancement screw and sliding ring for adjustable positioning, allowing for adaptive coupling and reversible installation without damaging the ossicular chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microphone is fixed to the ossicular chain with a rigid coupling, then the acoustic signal collection is stable, but the implant cannot be adjusted or reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic coupling mechanism where the micrometer screw allows the coupler to be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the sensor, enabling reversible modification of the coupling intensity. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining stable signal collection while allowing future adjustment or reversal of the implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling parameter (intensity of coupling between sensor and ossicular chain) through the micrometer screw mechanism. By allowing continuous adjustment of the coupler position, the system can optimize signal collection initially and then adapt to anatomical changes or enable reversal, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ossicular chain is disrupted to implant the device, then the microphone can be installed, but the auditory system cannot return to its original functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the implantation process into two independent parts: the fixation to the fixation bone (which remains permanent) and the coupling to the ossicular chain (which is reversible). The coupler can be detached from the ossicular chain without removing the bone fixation, allowing the auditory system to potentially recover functionality while maintaining the implanted device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary element between the sensor and the ossicular chain. It provides a reversible mechanical connection that can be adjusted or removed without damaging the ossicular chain, unlike direct rigid fixation. This intermediary mechanism allows implantation while preserving the possibility of functional recovery.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling intensity is fixed, then the initial signal collection is optimized, but the device cannot adapt to anatomical changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed coupling into a dynamic one through the micrometer screw mechanism. The coupler can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis to change coupling intensity, allowing the system to adapt to anatomical changes over time while maintaining initially optimized signal collection. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the coupling intensity can be adjusted based on performance monitoring. The micrometer screw allows fine-tuning of the coupling to optimize signal collection, and subsequent adjustments can be made in response to anatomical changes or degradation, creating a feedback loop that maintains optimal performance over time.
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
Enables reversible installation and adjustable coupling, improving the microphone's performance and adaptability to anatomical changes, ensuring the auditory system can return to its original functionality and optimizing the coupling intensity over time.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (50) for converting a mechanical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to an implantable microphone (100) for a middle ear prosthesis, comprising: means (301) for fixing to a fixation bone close to the middle ear of an individual; a cylindrical holding sheath (30), said sheath being designed to be fixed to the fixation bone by means of said fixation means (301) and having a suitable shape for extending from the fixation bone towards the ear ossicles of the individual; a coupler (60) comprising a rod (600) and an end piece (601, 602, 603, 604) of a suitable shape for bringing into contact with at least one point of the ear ossicles of the individual in a reversible manner; a sensor (50) for converting a mechanical signal into an electrical signal, said sensor being secured to the coupler (60), supported by the cylindrical holding sheath (30) and placed substantially in the extension of the axis of the cylinder (101); and means for translation (70) of said coupler along the axis of the cylinder (101), said means being housed in the cylindrical sheath (30).