Stepped Guide Structure for Precise Flexible Electrode Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible neural electrodes face challenges during implantation due to their small width and thickness, leading to mechanical mismatches with neural tissue and instability, while traditional micromachined silicon probes struggle with minimal invasiveness and easy insertion, necessitating a deformation force comparable to cellular forces.
Innovation Solution
A guide apparatus with a step structure is developed, featuring a thinner first portion and thicker second portion connected by a transition portion, allowing precise implantation and preventing displacement of the wire electrode by utilizing a step structure to stop at the transition portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wire electrode is made flexible with small width and thickness, then mechanical mismatch with neural tissue is reduced and biocompatibility is improved, but implantation becomes difficult and positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide apparatus serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the wire electrode. It features a stepped structure where the first step has a diameter larger than the wire electrode's engagement part, allowing the guide apparatus to be inserted through the electrode's through hole, while the second step has a diameter smaller than the engagement part, preventing the electrode from slipping out. This intermediary mechanism enables precise positioning control during implantation without compromising the electrode's flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the guide apparatus has a uniform diameter, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot prevent wire electrode displacement during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The guide apparatus is segmented into multiple sections along its length, creating a stepped structure with distinct diameter zones. The first section has a larger diameter to facilitate insertion through the wire electrode's through hole, while the second section has a smaller diameter to engage with the electrode's engagement part and prevent displacement. This segmentation allows the guide apparatus to simultaneously achieve ease of insertion and implantation stability.
3Strength
If the first portion of the guide apparatus is made thicker, then structural strength is improved, but it cannot pass through the engagement part of the wire electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The guide apparatus is divided into segments with different diameters. The first portion (first section) has a larger diameter that provides structural strength and stability, while the second portion (second section) has a smaller diameter that enables it to pass through the engagement part of the wire electrode. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each portion to have optimized dimensions for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide apparatus transitions from a uniform cylindrical structure to a stepped structure with varying diameters along its length. This dimensional change allows the first portion to be thicker for strength while the second portion is thinner for insertion, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural strength and insertion ease by utilizing the length dimension.
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 guide apparatus enables accurate and repeatable positioning of the wire electrode, reducing mechanical mismatch and instability, ensuring secure implantation without displacement during insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
immersing a first section of an etchable blank into an etchant, and performing a first electrochemical etching on the first section
Data Source
AI summary
A guide apparatus (1) for implanting a wire electrode (2) with a through hole provided thereon. The guide apparatus (1) includes, in a length direction thereof: a first portion (111) at an end, a maximum outer diameter size of the first portion (111) being smaller than a size of the through hole; and a second portion (112) connected to the first portion (111), a minimum outer diameter size of the second portion (112) being larger than the size of the through hole, wherein the second portion (112) and the first portion (111) are connected via a step structure.