Segmented Vibration Transmission Tube for Cochlear Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing implants face challenges in effectively transmitting vibrations to the cochlea, particularly in cases where the middle ear is impaired, as they rely on mechanical vibration transfer methods that may not efficiently engage the cochlear structures.
Innovation Solution
A bendable vibration transmission tube with multiple spherical coupling pieces, either made of titanium or permanent magnets, is used to couple vibrations from a vibrational actuator to the cochlea surface, allowing for flexible insertion and efficient energy transfer through mechanical engagement of adjacent coupling pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid transmission tube is used to transmit vibrations from the middle ear to the cochlea, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate anatomical variations and bending during implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission tube is divided into multiple rigid coupling pieces (first coupling piece, second coupling piece, third coupling piece) connected by flexible joints. This segmentation allows each piece to maintain structural integrity while the joints provide flexibility to accommodate bending and anatomical variations during implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission tube incorporates flexible joints between rigid coupling pieces that allow dynamic bending and adjustment. This enables the structure to adapt to different anatomical configurations during implantation while maintaining rigidity for effective vibration transmission once positioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coupling pieces are used to transmit vibrations through the transmission tube, then the adaptability to anatomical structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission path is segmented into multiple coupling pieces (first, second, third coupling pieces) that can be individually positioned and engaged with anatomical structures. This segmentation enables adaptable engagement while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pieces act as intermediary elements between the vibrational actuator and the cochlea surface. Each coupling piece serves as a mediator that facilitates vibration transmission while allowing for anatomical adaptation, distributing the complexity across multiple simple intermediary components rather than one complex component.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission tube is made flexible to accommodate bending during implantation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the efficiency of vibration transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission tube is segmented into rigid coupling pieces connected by flexible joints. The rigid pieces ensure efficient vibration energy transmission, while the flexible joints provide the necessary bending capability during implantation, thus maintaining both ease of operation and vibration transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission tube exhibits dynamic characteristics with rigid sections for vibration transmission and flexible joints for adaptation. During implantation, the flexible joints allow bending to navigate anatomical pathways, while during operation, the rigid coupling pieces ensure minimal energy loss in vibration transmission.
4Loss of energy
If a direct mechanical connection is made from the vibrational actuator to the cochlea surface, then the vibration transmission efficiency is improved, but the ability to navigate complex anatomical pathways deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The direct connection is replaced by a segmented transmission path with multiple coupling pieces (first, second, third coupling pieces) connected by flexible joints. This segmentation allows the system to navigate complex anatomical pathways during implantation while maintaining efficient vibration energy transfer through the rigid coupling pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coupling pieces serve as intermediary elements between the vibrational actuator and the cochlea surface. These intermediaries enable navigation around anatomical obstacles during implantation while their rigid structure ensures minimal energy loss in vibration transmission, bridging the gap between navigability and transmission efficiency.
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 solution enables precise and effective vibration transfer to the cochlea surface, enhancing sound perception by accommodating the anatomy of the middle ear and maintaining energy transfer even during complex bending, thereby improving hearing outcomes for patients with impaired hearing.
Implementation Method 1
vibration of the vibration actuator is coupled by the coupling pieces to the drive surface to vibrate the cochlea surface
Implementation Method 2
The outer surfaces of adjacent coupling pieces are in mechanical engagement with each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A transducer arrangement (300) for a hearing implant is described. A bendable vibration transmission tube (302) has a proximal end attached to a vibrational actuator (301), and a distal end with a drive surface (303) for coupling vibration to a cochlea surface. Multiple vibration coupling pieces (306) with spherical outer surfaces are arranged in a linear sequence within the transmission tube. A proximal-most coupling piece (304) is mechanically engaged with the vibrational actuator (301). A distal-most coupling piece (305) is mechanically engaged with the drive surface (303). Outer surfaces of adjacent coupling pieces are mechanically engaged with each other. When the vibrational actuator (301) is affixed in the middle ear, the transmission tube (302) accomodates bending so as to engage the drive surface (303) against the cochlea surface, thereby coupling vibration of the vibrational actuator (301) via the coupling pieces (306) and the drive surface (303) to the cochlea surface.