Adjustable-Angle Magnetic Stimulation Coil for Deep Focal Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) systems face limitations in focusing a magnetic field at greater depths, resulting in rapid attenuation and inability to effectively stimulate deeper brain regions, which restricts treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic coil system with a conductive coil wrapped around a magnetic core at an adjustable angle between 0° and 90°, allowing for a smaller focal spot size and improved field focus at deeper depths, enabling more targeted brain stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional TMS coils are used, then the magnetic field can penetrate deep brain regions, but the field becomes highly attenuated and unfocused at depth
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is designed with a flexible or adjustable wrapping angle that can be dynamically modified to change the focal spot size. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between depth penetration and focal concentration based on treatment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping angle of the coil around the magnetic core is varied as a key parameter to control focal spot size. By changing this geometric parameter, the system achieves different focal characteristics while maintaining deep penetration capability
2Measurement precision
If the magnetic field is focused at deep brain regions, then the focal spot size decreases, but the field intensity becomes too weak to activate tissues beyond 2 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is engineered to have different intensity characteristics at different locations: highly focused and concentrated at the deep target region, while maintaining sufficient overall power delivery capability through the adjustable coil configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable wrapping angle enables dynamic optimization of the balance between focal concentration and field intensity, allowing the system to adapt to different treatment depths and power requirements
3Device complexity
If the coil wrapping angle is fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the focal spot size cannot be adjusted for different treatment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The coil mounting structure incorporates movable or adjustable elements that allow modification of the wrapping angle. This dynamic capability provides focal spot adjustability while maintaining relatively simple construction through mechanisms like flexible mounting or adjustable brackets
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 achieves a more focused magnetic field at greater depths with adjustable focal spot size, enhancing the ability to stimulate deeper brain regions without significant decay, thus improving treatment efficacy for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive coil wraps around a magnetic core at a wrapping angle that is between 0° and 90°... resulting in a magnetic stimulation system having a smaller focal spot size at a given depth inside of, for example, a patient's body
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic core having a longitudinal axis along a length of the magnetic core... the electrically conductive coil wrapped around the magnetic core at a wrapping angle that is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic core
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electromagnetic coil system for use during transcranial or transdermal stimulation procedures, in which an electrically conductive coil wraps around a magnetic core at an oblique wrapping angle to provide a more directed focal spot size at a given depth inside of, for example, a patient's body. In certain configurations, the electrically conductive coil may be adjustable with respect to the magnetic core, such that the wrapping angle of the electrically conductive coil may be modified to, in turn, adjust the focal spot size of the induced electric field generated by the system as may desired to concentrate the field at a particularly desired location.