Project Abstract
When fabricating a
cochlear electrode array, a finely tuned process must be utilized in order
to ensure electrode consistency, reliability, and reproducibility. This is
especially true in rat cochlear electrode arrays, such as those used in
auditory system research by Dr. Ryan Clement, due to the extremely small
dimensional requirements of the arrays. However, the fabrication system
currently carried out by Dr. Clement and his research staff is a completely
hand crafted process that results in great variability between the electrode
arrays created. In addition, the significant training and time needed to
carry out this process is an inconvenience for the research staff and
hinders the speed at which they can obtain results. To accommodate for the
flaws in the current fabrication process of rat cochlear electrode arrays,
team D.A.T.E.K.S. has designed a new fabrication system that incorporates
the use of a Teflon mold. The mold will be created using a K&S 983 dicing
saw to cut channels and 0.2 mm diameter drill bits in a Jet Turret Milling
Machine (JTM-2) to drill divots in the Teflon. Geometric constraints of the
mold and impedance ranges have been specified by the sponsor. The
dimensions of the cavity will coincide with a total array diameter of less
than 0.4 mm with distance of 0.4 mm between ball contacts to ensure proper
sizing of the produced array. This mold will also remove the current by-hand
production steps of wire winding and silicone coating, therefore reducing
the overall training and production times each by one hour. Reproducibility
and consistency of electrode array fabrication will be shown by testing
electrode impedances over several production trials to verify that they fall
in the range of 20 ± 5 kΩ. |
What's New
 | Final Paper / Notebooks Complete - April 25 |
| Final Project Presentation - April 30 |
Dime
Mold With Engraved Channels |
