Segmented Electrode for Reversible Stapedius Muscle Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrodes for measuring the stapedius reflex are inadequate in achieving secure and minimally invasive contact with the stapedius muscle, often causing trauma to the tissue due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A two-part electrode configuration with a first electrode and a fixation element, where the fixation element is introduced separately to penetrate the main body of the electrode, allowing for reversible and secure fixation on the tendon of the stapedius muscle, enabling bipolar measurement with reduced tissue trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing electrode designs are used for measuring stapedius muscle activity, then the measurement function is provided, but secure contact with the muscle tissue cannot be achieved and tissue trauma occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into two separate parts: the measurement electrode and the fixation element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the electrode for minimal-invasive measurement and the fixation element for secure attachment - thereby achieving reliable contact without tissue trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the electrode and the muscle tissue. It provides secure mechanical fixation to the tendon while allowing the electrode itself to maintain a minimally invasive profile for safe tissue contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fixation mechanisms are integrated into the electrode body, then secure fixation is achieved, but the electrode structure becomes complex and manufacturing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidelectrode production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the fixation function into a distinct element rather than integrating it into the electrode body, the electrode structure remains simple and easy to manufacture. The fixation element can be produced separately using appropriate methods and then assembled with the electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation element combines multiple functions: mechanical fixation to the tendon, structural support for the electrode, and potential bipolar measurement capability. This consolidation of functions into a separate component simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to integrating all functions into the electrode body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the electrode is designed as a single integrated component, then the structure is simple, but reversible fixation and minimal invasiveness cannot be simultaneously achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode structureVSAvoidreversible fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The two-part design enables independent optimization of each component for reversibility. The fixation element can be designed with specific geometric features that allow easy insertion and removal, while the electrode maintains its simple measurement structure. This segmentation achieves reversible fixation without compromising structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If the electrode penetrates deeply into the muscle tissue for secure contact, then measurement accuracy improves, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaction potential measurementVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation element serves as an intermediary that enables secure positioning and stable electrical contact without requiring deep penetration of the electrode itself into the muscle tissue. The fixation element handles the mechanical anchoring function, allowing the electrode to maintain a shallower, less traumatic profile while achieving accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8725227B2Electrode arrangement and measuring device for measuring the electrical activity in an electrically active tissue

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 MED EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrode arrangement and a measuring device for measuring the action flow and/or the action potential of an electrically active tissue. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and economically producible electrode for measuring action flows and/or action potentials in electrically active tissues (preferably the stapedius muscle tissue), ensuring that the electrode is fixed securely, but reversibly, in the muscle tissue and that the muscle tissue is disturbed as little as possible. The electrode arrangement according to the invention comprises a first electrode (2) and a fixing element (3), the first electrode (2) being connected to a first, long electrical line (4) and consisting of a long base body (6) comprising a first end (7) and a second end (8). The first electrical line (4) is connected to the base body (6) in the region of the second end (8) thereof, and means are provided for reversibly fixing the fixing element (3) to the first electrode (2).