Transtympanic Stimulator for Auditory Pathway Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective method for auditory evaluations that create various waveforms in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with isolated channels and measure impedance rates between electrodes, which is crucial for assessing the auditory pathway from the nerve to the cortex for cochlear implantation efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An electrical transtympanic stimulator with electrodes located in the ear canal and on the skull, utilizing a processor, power source, digital-to-analog converter, voltage-to-current converter, and protection circuit to apply electrical stimulation and measure impedance, allowing for detailed auditory processing evaluations and safety monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is applied through electrodes in the ear canal and on the skull to examine the auditory pathway, then the assessment capability of the auditory pathway is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes and circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator is designed to perform multiple functions including applying electrical stimulation through electrodes, measuring impedance between electrodes, generating various waveforms (sine, square, triangle, pulse) across frequency ranges of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and examining the auditory pathway. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one unified system, improving measurement capability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing components including a microcontroller unit that coordinates between the signal generation circuit, the electrodes, and the measurement system. The microcontroller serves as an intermediary that manages the complex interactions between multiple electrodes and circuit components, simplifying the overall system control and data processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various waveforms are created in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with isolated channels, then the evaluation capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generation system is divided into isolated channels, each capable of generating different waveforms (sine, square, triangle, pulse) independently across the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This segmentation allows each channel to be designed and manufactured as a modular unit, simplifying production while maintaining the versatility to create various waveforms through combination and coordination of the isolated channels.
3Measurement precision
If impedance measurement is performed between electrodes, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional measurement circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance measurement function is merged with the existing electrical stimulation delivery system. The same electrodes used for stimulation are also used for impedance measurement, and the measurement circuits are integrated into the existing signal generation and control architecture. This combining approach enables impedance measurement without requiring entirely separate measurement equipment, thereby improving measurement accuracy while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables thorough assessment of the auditory pathway and cochlear implant efficacy by applying electrical stimulation across different frequency ranges and monitoring current and voltage values, ensuring patient safety and providing accurate impedance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a digital-to-analog converter in communication with the processor and power source, configured to convert digital signals into analogue voltage signals
Implementation Method 2
a voltage-to-current convertor in communication with the digital-to-analog converter via an amplifier, wherein the voltage-to-current convertor is configured to convert the analogue voltage signals to current signals/pulses
Implementation Method 3
The amplifier is configured to amply the analogue voltage signals that are produced by the digital-to-analog converter
Implementation Method 4
a protection circuit configured to disconnect the power supply to the electrodes if the current value exceeds a threshold value
Implementation Method 5
one or more electrodes in communication with the output circuit, configured to locate in the ear canal and on the skin around the skull of a patient, thereby performing the auditory processing evaluation by applying the current pulses to the ear canal and skull
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical transtympanic stimulator for auditory processing evaluation is disclosed. The stimulator comprises a processor, a digital-to-analog converter, a voltage-to-current convertor, and one or more electrodes. The digital-to-analog converter in communication with the processor and power source is configured to convert digital signals into analogue voltage signals. The voltage-to-current convertor in communication with the digital-to-analog converter via an amplifier is configured to convert the analogue voltage signals to current signals/pulses that are proportional to the analogue voltage signals. The electrodes in communication with the voltage-to-current convertor, configured to locate in the ear canal and on the skin around the skull of a patient, thereby performing the auditory processing evaluation by applying the current pulses to the ear canal and skull in different waveforms at various frequency ranges with parameters. The protection circuit configured to disconnect the power supply to the electrodes if the current value exceeds a threshold value.