Spanning Connector for Hearing Implant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable hearing instruments face challenges in aligning vibratory actuators with auditory components, such as the stapes or oval window, due to non-linear alignment issues, which result in reduced vibratory transfer and auditory stimulation, especially in cases of malformed or degraded ossicle bones.
Innovation Solution
A spanning connector that extends across the tympanic cavity, with one end fixed to a middle ear structure and the other end engaging an auditory component, allowing the vibratory actuator to displace the connector in a direction that aligns with the natural movement of the auditory component, thereby enhancing vibratory transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibratory actuator is positioned through the mastoid process to stimulate the auditory component, then the transducer can be implanted subcutaneously, but the actuator cannot be properly aligned with the auditory component due to non-linear alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
A spanning connector is introduced as an intermediary element between the vibratory actuator and the auditory component. The connector has a first end that couples to the actuator and a second end that engages the auditory component, allowing the actuator to be positioned through the mastoid process while still achieving proper alignment with the auditory component through the connector's spanning structure across the tympanic cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The spanning connector extends across the tympanic cavity in a spatial dimension that bridges the gap between the mastoid process entry point and the auditory component. This dimensional approach allows the actuator to be positioned posteriorly through the mastoid while the connector spans forward to engage the auditory component, resolving the alignment issue through spatial configuration
2Reliability
If the vibratory actuator is directly coupled to the auditory component, then efficient vibratory transfer is achieved, but surgical positioning becomes difficult when ossicle bones are malformed or absent
Solution Approach 1:
The spanning connector serves as a mediator that decouples the direct dependency between actuator positioning and auditory component engagement. The connector's first end couples to the actuator while its second end engages the auditory component, allowing efficient vibratory transfer through the connector while providing surgical flexibility in positioning since the connector can span across the tympanic cavity regardless of ossicle condition
Solution Approach 2:
The spanning connector provides a universal coupling mechanism that works regardless of the condition of the ossicle bones. Whether the ossicles are healthy, malformed, or absent, the connector can be configured to engage the auditory component directly or indirectly, making the implantation procedure universally applicable across different patient anatomies
3Ease of operation
If the actuator axis is aligned with the ear canal, then the transducer can be easily positioned, but the movement direction does not align with the natural movement direction of the auditory component
Solution Approach 1:
The spanning connector introduces a spatial transformation that converts the actuator's linear movement along its axis into movement in a different direction at the auditory component interface. The connector's geometry and configuration allow it to translate and redirect the vibratory motion, aligning the effective movement direction with the natural movement direction of the auditory component while maintaining easy actuator positioning
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
The spanning connector effectively translates axial movements of the actuator into a direction that aligns with the natural movement of the auditory component, improving vibratory transfer and auditory stimulation, even in cases where the ossicle bones are malformed or absent.
Implementation Method 1
the vibratory actuator may displace or deflect the spanning connector such that the second end moves relative to the auditory component it engages
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are various connectors that allow for translating the axial movement of an implantable hearing transducer from a first direction to a second direction. In various arrangements, these connectors form a spanning connector that extend across a portion of a tympanic cavity of a patient. One end of the connector can be affixed to the tympanic cavity, and a second end may engage an auditory component. In such an arrangement, a vibratory actuator may engage the connector between the first and second ends. Such an arrangement can provide improved alignment of actuator movement with a direction of movement of an auditory component.