Ultrasonic Vibration Electrode Insertion Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for invasive nerve electrode insertion, such as manual pushing or pneumatic impacts, often result in nerve damage due to excessive force or improper insertion, making accurate and reproducible insertion challenging.

Innovation Solution

An electrode structure inserting apparatus that uses negative pressure to fix the nerve and vibrates the electrode for insertion, minimizing damage by reducing the force required and ensuring precise placement with a combination of a piezoelectric actuator, shape memory alloy wire, and elastic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If manual pushing or pneumatic impacts are used for electrode insertion, then the electrode can be inserted into the nerve, but excessive force is applied causing nerve damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidnerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the electrode insertion portion, causing the electrode to vibrate at high frequency during insertion. This vibration reduces the friction and resistance between the electrode and nerve tissue, allowing the electrode to penetrate the epineurium with significantly reduced force, thereby preventing nerve damage while achieving successful insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the electrode by applying ultrasonic vibration, transforming the insertion process from a static force application to a dynamic vibratory motion. This parameter change enables the electrode to pass through the nerve sheath with minimal resistance and force requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual pushing is used for electrode insertion, then the electrode can be inserted, but the insertion state varies depending on surgeon skill reducing reproducibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion operationVSAvoidinsertion precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical pushing operation with an automated ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic generator and transducer automatically provide controlled high-frequency vibrations to the electrode, eliminating dependence on surgeon skill and experience, thereby achieving consistent and reproducible insertion results across different operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode itself performs the insertion function through self-vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer. The vibration is generated at the insertion portion of the electrode, enabling it to penetrate the nerve sheath autonomously without requiring complex external manipulation or high skill level from the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If pneumatic impacts are used for electrode insertion, then multiple electrodes can be inserted into brain nerves, but instant impacts cause nerve or electrode damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion efficiencyVSAvoidnerve and electrode integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses continuous ultrasonic vibration instead of intermittent pneumatic impacts. The sustained high-frequency vibration provides a steady, controlled mechanism for penetrating the nerve sheath, avoiding the sudden stress spikes caused by impact forces while maintaining effective insertion capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic vibration operates as a periodic action with controlled frequency and amplitude, providing rhythmic oscillations that facilitate gradual penetration through the nerve sheath. This periodic motion is more controlled and less traumatic compared to the random, uncontrolled nature of pneumatic impacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 apparatus allows for accurate and minimally invasive electrode insertion with reduced nerve deformation and damage, enabling more precise signal measurement and analysis by controlling the insertion speed and force.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration generator connected to the electrode structure fixing unit to vibrate the electrode structure fixing unit in an insertion direction of the electrode structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the vibration generator may include a piezoelectric actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the linear driving unit may include a shape memory alloy wire for moving the electrode structure fixing unit in the insertion direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10493268B2Apparatus for invasive insertion of electrode structure

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

An electrode structure inserting apparatus includes an electrode structure fixing unit to which the electrode structure is detachably fixed, and a vibration generator connected to the electrode structure fixing unit to vibrate the electrode structure fixing unit in an insertion direction of the electrode structure, and the electrode structure inserting apparatus inserts the invasive electrode structure into a nerve in a biological tissue.