Robotic Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Insertion Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cochlear implant insertion methods lack precision and control, particularly in navigating the electrode array into the cochlea while minimizing stress on the array and ensuring optimal positioning for effective sound perception.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and system that utilize a robotic assembly with a control unit to monitor electrical phenomena within the recipient and control the actuator to insert the electrode array into the cochlea with controlled actuation, based on data related to the recipient's electrical characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manual insertion methods are used, then the insertion process is simpler and faster to perform, but the precision and control of electrode array positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode array positioning precisionVSAvoidinsertion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with a robotic system that uses electrical field monitoring and feedback control to guide electrode array insertion. The robotic assembly incorporates sensors that detect electrical characteristics of the cochlea and automatically adjust insertion depth and positioning, substituting human manual control with an automated electromechanical system that achieves superior precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that monitor electrical phenomena within the cochlea during insertion. The system continuously measures electrical characteristics and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the robotic assembly's positioning and depth control, ensuring optimal electrode array placement while minimizing stress on the array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If faster insertion is performed, then the procedure time is reduced, but the stress on the electrode array increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion procedure timeVSAvoidelectrode array stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic assembly employs dynamic insertion control that adjusts insertion speed and force in real-time based on feedback from electrical field sensors. The system optimizes the insertion trajectory and velocity profile to minimize mechanical stress on the electrode array while maintaining efficient procedure timing, adapting the insertion dynamics to the specific anatomical characteristics detected during the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and planning of the insertion path before actual insertion begins. By pre-assessing electrical characteristics and preparing an optimized insertion trajectory, the system can execute the insertion more efficiently with reduced stress on the electrode array, as the path and speed are predetermined based on pre-acquired data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If controlled actuation based on electrical characteristics is used, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the measurement and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical phenomenon detection precisionVSAvoidelectrical characteristic measurement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic assembly integrates multiple functions into a single system: it performs mechanical insertion, monitors electrical characteristics, processes measurement data, and executes positioning control all through one integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems, while maintaining high measurement precision through dedicated sensors and processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables more precise and controlled insertion of the electrode array, reducing stress on the array and improving the likelihood of optimal positioning for effective sound perception and hearing restoration.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring an electrical phenomenon within the recipient at least one of during the first temporal period or during a second temporal period subsequent to the first temporal period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical phenomenon monitoring: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

the apparatus is configured to insert an electrode array into a cochlea via controlled actuation of the actuator, wherein the controlled actuation is at least partially based on data that is at least partially based on electrical characteristics associated with the recipient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS12268869B2Advanced electrode array insertion

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

An apparatus including an actuator and an electrode array support, wherein the apparatus is configured to insert an electrode array into a cochlea via controlled actuation of the actuator, wherein the controlled actuation is at least partially based on data that is at least partially based on electrical characteristics associated with the recipient.