BioE 450W Progress Report
No: Report #3
Optimized Fabrication System of Rat Cochlear Electrode Array
Date: April
9, 2007
Submitted to: Dr. Clement
Group: Team D.A.T.E.K.S.
Reporting Period: March 26, 2007-April 9, 2007
Overall Objectives of the Project:
The purpose of this project is to introduce a more
optimized manufacturing process of rat cochlear electrode arrays through the
design of a silicone injection mold to form the carrier for the electrode
array. This will replace the current hand-fabrication techniques of wire
winding and micro-wire silicone coating application.
Progress Summary since Last
Report:
 | Stepper was acquired, but with some complications.
The actual part does not fit perfectly with every CNC machine. Therefore, a
separate part must be fabricated to ensure proper usage (fitting within the
machine, proper coolant injection). Due to these complications, use of
Stepper was designated as a “last resort” |
| Metal prototype was constructed with the aid of Gene
Gerber. The cuts made were rough and unable to be polished to sponsor
standards. An alternative material had to be used. |
| Plastic was used in the next prototype. Testing was
delayed due to lack of polyvinyl alcohol. Group was unable to produce PVA
from the sponsor supplied ingredients and instructions. |
| 3rd prototype was fabricated from Teflon.
Silicon cured within the mold and was easily removed without any mold
releasing agent. |
| Any on-going testing will involve the Teflon mold. |
Progress Planned Until Next Report:
| Further testing of mold prototypes. |
| Testing of produced electrode arrays (impedance, size
requirements) |
| Start of final report, website, and product poster |
Detail expenses and acquired equipment to date:
Microflame Two-Gas Torch
(Sponsor provided)
Micronox Cylinders (2 pack) -
$39.00
Butane Cylinders (2 pack) -
$39.92
S/S Needle W. Luer Hub 25G x 1'
(25 pack) - $8.95
10 Extra Mixing Tips - $26.00
All drill and milling tips -
$378.48
Information Needed from Sponsor: Wire needed to
further test mold prototypes
Time Schedule:
| The impedance testing has been delayed due to sponsor
usage of supplied equipment |
| Testing of mold was delayed due to the lack of
appropriate wire |
| All other deadlines are as scheduled |
| 
