Variable Length Actuator Coupling for Hearing Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active hearing implants lack flexibility for precise spatial positioning between the actuator end piece and the coupling element in the middle ear, leading to suboptimal acoustic coupling and frequency response.
Innovation Solution
The actuator end piece is geometrically designed with two parallel legs and a locking mechanism that allows adjustable positioning in both axial and transverse directions, enabling precise fitting and fixing relative to the coupling element, with features like indentations and annular grooves for precise alignment and increased flexibility through a ball joint or rotating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a crimping sleeve with fixed geometry is used to couple the actuator end piece, then the connection is rigid and simple to manufacture, but the flexibility for precise spatial positioning in transverse direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into two parallel legs that can independently position the actuator end piece. Each leg can be adjusted and locked separately, enabling precise spatial positioning in both axial and transverse directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element transitions from a single-axis adjustment mechanism to a two-dimensional positioning system by introducing a second leg that operates in a direction transverse to the first leg. This allows independent adjustment in both axial and transverse directions without significantly increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator end piece position is fixed rigidly, then the acoustic coupling is stable, but the ability to adapt to individual patient anatomical variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates adjustable and lockable legs that allow the position to be dynamically adapted during implantation to match individual patient anatomy. Once positioned, the structure is locked to provide long-term stability, combining adaptability with structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element allows changes in positional parameters (axial and transverse positions) to be made during implantation to adapt to patient-specific anatomical variations. After optimization, these parameters are fixed to ensure stable long-term performance.
3Reliability
If simple coupling geometry is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the frequency response and sound conduction quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling element into two adjustable legs, the design achieves superior acoustic coupling quality through precise positioning while keeping each individual leg relatively simple in structure, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element provides localized precision adjustment at the critical connection points between legs and actuator end piece, ensuring optimal acoustic coupling quality only where needed, while the overall structure remains simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
An arrangement (1) for adjusting and fixing the relative position between an actuator end piece (2b) of an active hearing implant and a link of the ossicular chain or a coupling element to the human inner ear, wherein the arrangement comprises a connecting element (10) with a first coupling element (11) for coupling the connecting element to the actuator end piece, with a second coupling element (12) and with a shaft-shaped central part (13) between the first coupling element and the second coupling element, is characterized in that the first coupling element is geometrically designed such that it encompasses the actuator end piece with two opposing parallel legs (11', 11^), and that each of the two legs has a grid arrangement which, in the interaction of the two legs, enablesThe actuator end piece is fixed at selectable discrete axial positions in a direction parallel to the shaft axis (a) of the shaft-shaped central part. This allows for convenient length-variable fitting and fixing of the actuator end piece relative to the first coupling element in a direction transverse to the axis of the actuator end piece, so that the acoustic vibrations generated by the actuator in the form of sound waves are transmitted more effectively to the parts of the hearing implant leading to the inner ear.