3D TMS Coil Driving for Rotating Magnetic Field Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices are not convenient for use as they can only function on a single brain area position, requiring manual repositioning for different brain areas and multiple coil configurations for treating co-morbidities in multiple brain areas.

Innovation Solution

A driving method for a transcranial magnetic stimulation 3D coil device with multiple coils, where the central axes of each coil are perpendicular to each other, allowing for the generation of a rotating magnetic field by adjusting the current intensity in the coils, enabling treatment of different brain areas without replacing coils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single coil configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but it can only function on a single brain area position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain area coverageVSAvoidcoil configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple coils (first coil, second coil, third coil) into a single integrated TMS device, where each coil can be independently controlled to target different brain areas. This merging approach allows the device to function on multiple brain area positions without requiring separate coil configurations or device replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TMS device is designed with multi-functional capability through its multiple coil configuration, enabling it to treat various brain areas (e.g., left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area) using the same device structure. The controller selectively activates different coils based on the target brain area, providing universal applicability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manual repositioning is required for different brain areas, then the device structure remains simple, but the treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of multiple coils through a controller that can selectively activate different coil configurations based on the desired brain area. This dynamic switching between coil activations eliminates the need for physical repositioning, allowing rapid transition between treatment targets and significantly improving treatment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coil configurations are used for co-morbidities, then different brain areas can be treated, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-brain area treatmentVSAvoidcoil replacement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically manages the activation of different coils based on pre-programmed treatment protocols for co-morbidities. The system self-adjusts which coils are active and their respective parameters without requiring manual coil replacement or complex manual configuration, thereby maintaining ease of operation while treating multiple brain areas for co-morbid conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method allows for flexible adjustment of the transcranial magnetic stimulation electric field to treat different brain areas with various patterns, improving the convenience and effectiveness of TMS treatments by eliminating the need for manual repositioning and coil changes.

Implementation Method 1

A first pulse current having the first signal peak is provided to the first coil. The first pulse current signal stimulates the first coil to provide a first magnetic field. A second pulse current signal having the second signal peak is provided to the second coil. The second pulse current signal stimulates the second coil to provide a second magnetic field, and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field form a rotating magnetic field having the specified rotating magnetic field direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250152957A1Driving method of transcranial magnetic stimulation 3D coil device

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 METAL INDS RES & DEV CENT

AI summary

A driving method of a transcranial magnetic stimulation 3D coil device is disclosed, which includes: determining first and second signal peaks corresponding to a specified rotating magnetic field direction, in which the first and second signal peaks respectively correspond to first and second coils in multiple coils; providing a first pulse current having the first signal peak to the first coil, in which the first pulse current signal stimulates the first coil to provide a first magnetic field; providing a second pulse current signal having a second signal peak to the second coil, in which the second pulse current signal stimulates the second coil to provide a second magnetic field, in which the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field form a rotating magnetic field having the specified rotating magnetic field direction.