Variable-Length Ossicular Prosthesis with Clamp-Type Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ossicular prostheses face challenges in achieving a precise and reproducible adjustment of axial length, often requiring large selections of prostheses with varying lengths and experiencing post-surgical complications due to mechanical and geometric design limitations, such as complex manufacturing, inaccurate handling, and permanent pressure buildup in the middle ear.
Innovation Solution
A passive ossicular prosthesis design featuring a receiving part with parallel clamp-type legs that enclose the insertion part in a non-positive and form-locked manner, allowing for precise spatial adjustment and fixation of the prosthesis length, combined with a ball joint for increased flexibility, and a biologically active coating to prevent tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a self-adjusting ossicular prosthesis with a spring mechanism is used to change axial length, then adaptability to different anatomical positions is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into a first section (receiving part) and a second section (insertion part) that can be independently positioned and fixed. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to achieve variable axial length without requiring complex spring mechanisms, as each section can be separately adjusted and locked into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic variable-length design through the ability to selectively fix the insertion part at different positions along the receiving part. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through a simplified fixing mechanism rather than complex spring-based self-adjustment.
2Volume of moving object
If the axial length of the ossicular prosthesis is reduced to the final required length, then space occupation in the middle ear is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connecting element into adjustable sections, the prosthesis can be manufactured with standard dimensions and then precisely adjusted to the required final length through selective fixation, rather than requiring each prosthesis to be manufactured to exact final dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving part is pre-configured with multiple possible fixation positions for the insertion part. This preliminary preparation allows for precise final length adjustment during surgery without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision for the final dimension, as the precision is achieved through selective positioning rather than precise manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If a clamp-type receiving part with parallel legs is used to fix the insertion part, then axial length adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving part is designed as a separate component with clamp-type legs that can independently secure the insertion part. This segmentation allows the clamping mechanism to be a simple structural feature rather than a complex assembly, achieving precise axial length fixation through the geometric arrangement of parallel legs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve precise length adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple clamp structure where precision is achieved through the geometric constraint of parallel legs and form-locking engagement, rather than through complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prostheses with different axial lengths are kept on hand, then adaptability to individual anatomy is improved, but inventory complexity and selection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single prosthesis design with a variable-length connecting element can replace multiple fixed-length prostheses. The universal design allows the same prosthesis to be adapted to different anatomical requirements by adjusting the axial length of the connecting element, eliminating the need to maintain inventories of multiple specialized prostheses.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis transitions from static fixed-length variants to a dynamic variable-length design, where the connecting element can be adjusted to different lengths. This dynamic capability allows one universal prosthesis to fulfill the role of multiple fixed-length prostheses, simplifying inventory while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A passive ossicular prosthesis includes a first and second fastening element for connection to the tympanic membrane. A connecting element connects the fastening elements in a sound-conducting manner. The connecting element includes a receiving part and an insertion part. The insertion part is inserted into a receiving opening of the receiving part. The receiving part encloses an end section of the insertion part in the manner of a clamp by way of two opposing, parallel legs disposed parallel to a shank axis of the connecting element. The legs have catch devices that fix the enclosed end section discrete spatial positions relative to the shank axis.