Vestibular Implant Magnetic Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vestibular implant systems face challenges with high power requirements, battery size or frequent recharging, and the risk of sensor misalignment, which can lead to patient disorientation and injury due to the complexity of power transmission and sensor placement.
Innovation Solution
A partially implantable vestibular prosthesis system with an external movement sensor module attached to the head, using magnetic attachment to ensure correct positioning and an implant processor that generates stimulation signals based on both internal and external movement signals to stimulate neural tissue, reducing power consumption and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an implanted battery supplies power to the implanted movement sensors, then the risk of transcutaneous power transmission is reduced, but the battery volume becomes large or frequent re-charging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor array into multiple independent modules that can be distributed throughout the implant site. Each module contains its own movement sensors and can operate semi-independently, allowing the power requirements to be distributed across multiple smaller battery cells rather than requiring one large battery
Solution Approach 2:
The external head-worn sensor array serves multiple functions: it provides movement sensing data when the implanted sensors are not yet healed or malfunctioning, assists in initial device alignment and calibration, and can continue to provide supplemental data post-implantation. This multi-functionality reduces the immediate power requirements of the implanted battery
2Measurement precision
If head-worn sensor arrays are secured by a holding band around the head, then the external sensors are positioned correctly, but the risk of sensor movement relative to the head becomes unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical holding band with a magnetic attachment system. Small magnets embedded in the sensor modules attract to corresponding ferromagnetic materials in the skull, providing secure attachment without mechanical bands. This magnetic fixation eliminates the risk of band loosening while maintaining precise sensor positioning relative to head movements
Solution Approach 2:
Ferromagnetic materials embedded in or against the skull serve as an intermediary between the external sensor modules and the skull itself. These materials provide a stable magnetic interface that secures the sensors firmly to the head without requiring direct contact or mechanical fastening, thereby preventing sensor movement while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Volume of moving object
If percutaneous plug power transmission is used for implanted sensor arrays, then implanted battery volume is reduced, but the risk of infection and device failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the primary power source from the implanted site and places it externally in the head-worn unit. The implanted sensor modules operate as passive or low-power devices that harvest minimal power through the magnetic coupling interface or use energy-efficient circuits, eliminating the need for percutaneous battery connections and their associated infection risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical percutaneous plug connection with a magnetic coupling interface. Power and data are transmitted wirelessly through magnetic induction between the external head-worn unit and the implanted sensors, eliminating the need for skin-penetrating connectors and thereby eliminating the infection pathway associated with percutaneous devices
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 system provides a safe and practical solution by minimizing power requirements, reducing the risk of sensor misalignment, and ensuring reliable operation with a fail-safe mechanism, allowing for effective vestibular function augmentation while maintaining hearing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an external transmitter in communication with the external movement sensor and providing an electromagnetic transmission of an implant communication signal that includes a signal component based on the external movement signal and a power component that provides electrical power for the implanted system components
Implementation Method 2
using magnetic attachment to ensure correct positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A vestibular prosthesis system is described which includes an external movement sensor that is attachable a patient's head for generating an external movement signal. A fail-safe sensor is configured to detect movement of the one or more external movement sensors relative to the head and generate a corresponding relative motion signal. And an implant processor also is implantable under the skin and in communication with the fail-safe sensor and the external transmitter for generating an implant stimulation signal based on the external movement signal and/or the relative motion signal to electrically stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by the patient.