Sliding Ring Actuator Fixation for Middle Ear Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active hearing implants face challenges in achieving precise and stable spatial fixation of the actuator end piece within the human middle ear, leading to suboptimal sound conduction and frequency response due to lack of flexibility in positioning and anchoring, particularly under post-operative forces and anatomical variations.
Innovation Solution
A sliding ring design that allows radial anchoring to surrounding bones, enabling linear displacement and resistance to axial forces, combined with radially protruding coupling elements that utilize natural bone openings for secure anchoring, and potentially incorporating materials with shape memory for optimal positioning and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rigid crimping sleeve with fixed coupling element position is used, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simplified, but the spatial positioning precision between the actuator end piece and the coupling element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows it to move axially along the crimping sleeve. This dynamic positioning capability enables precise spatial adjustment of the coupling element relative to the actuator end piece, while the crimping tool provides the necessary constraint during assembly. The system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a controllable dynamic structure that achieves both ease of assembly and positioning precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first coupling element is pushed further into the cylindrical cavity to achieve variability in cylinder axis direction, then angular positioning flexibility is improved, but positioning precision in directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into two independent functional components: the crimping sleeve that provides angular flexibility through variable insertion depth, and the sliding coupling element that provides precise perpendicular positioning through controlled linear movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of positioning, achieving both angular adaptability and perpendicular precision simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If spring-elastic wires are used to anchor the actuator end piece to surrounding bones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and permanent anchoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system uses a composite structure combining the elasticity of spring-elastic wires with the rigidity of the crimping tool. The wires provide flexible temporary anchoring during insertion, while the crimping tool provides rigid permanent fixation. This composite approach maintains relative simplicity while achieving reliable permanent anchoring that can withstand post-operative forces.
4Manufacturing precision
If a sliding ring design with radially protruding coupling elements is used, then the spatial fixation precision and resistance to lateral forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sliding mechanism for axial adjustment, acts as a support structure for radially protruding coupling elements, and functions as the anchoring interface with surrounding bones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving high spatial fixation precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An active hearing implant with an arrangement (1) for adjusting and fixing the relative position between an axially extended actuator end piece (2) of the hearing implant and the surrounding middle ear bone, wherein the arrangement comprises coupling elements (3a, 3b) by means of which the actuator end piece can be anchored to the surrounding bone, is characterized in that the arrangement has a sliding ring (4) which is geometrically designed such that it can be slid over the cylindrical actuator end piece and then holds it in the radial direction, while the sliding ring remains linearly displaceable in the axial direction of the actuator end piece, and that radially projecting coupling elements are attached to the surrounding bone on the outer surface of the sliding ring for anchoring the sliding ring to the surrounding bone after surgical insertion of the arrangement into the middle ear.This arrangement ensures not only convenient surgical insertion of the actuator end piece into the middle ear and stable coupling to the stapes or a corresponding connecting piece to the inner ear, but also permanently precise positioning of the actuator end piece even under lateral forces.