Arc-Shaped Neural Microprobes for Optic Nerve Signal Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional silicon/non-silicon technologies used in artificial retina electrodes have limited electrical contacts, making it difficult to differentiate optic nerve signals or provide weak current stimulation for the optic nerve, thus failing to meet the requirements for clear visual perception.
Innovation Solution
A neural interface system featuring microprobes with arc-shaped liners and microelectrodes on the outer side, capable of direct stimulation of optic nerve cells. The system includes an in vitro device with an acquisition unit and processing unit for converting images into stimulus signals, and wireless coils for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional silicon/non-silicon electrodes are used, then the device structure is simple, but the number of electrical contacts is limited, making it impossible to differentiate optic nerve signals or provide weak current stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent microelectrodes (at least 64 contacts) arranged in a matrix pattern on each microprobe. This segmentation allows individual differentiation of optic nerve signals and application of weak current stimulation to specific regions, resolving the limitation of conventional electrodes with fewer contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional electrode arrays to three-dimensional microprobe structures with arc-shaped liners. The microelectrodes are arranged in multiple layers and dimensions, enabling spatial differentiation of signals and stimulation across the retinal surface, thereby increasing measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the number of electrodes is increased to improve visual clarity, then the perceived image clarity improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent microelectrodes (at least 64 contacts) arranged in a matrix pattern on each microprobe. This segmentation allows individual differentiation of optic nerve signals and application of weak current stimulation to specific regions, resolving the limitation of conventional electrodes with fewer contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs arc-shaped liners with specific curvature radii and controlled thickness parameters to optimize the microelectrode configuration. By carefully controlling geometric parameters such as liner curvature and microelectrode spacing, the system achieves high-resolution visual restoration while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes.
3Measurement precision
If microelectrodes of uniform length are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to differentiate signals from different retinal regions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements microelectrodes with different lengths at different positions within the microprobe array. Specifically, microelectrodes in the middle region have different lengths compared to those in edge regions, allowing tailored interaction with retinal tissue at different locations. This local quality variation enables precise spatial differentiation of optic nerve signals while maintaining overall device coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
A neural interface system, comprising: at least one microneedle body (1), the microneedle body (1) comprising a liner and at least one body electrode (3), the liner having an arc-shaped structure, and the body electrode (3) being located on the outer side of the liner. When a retina of a human body is damaged, the microneedle body (1) is placed within an eye socket, and optic nerve cells are directly stimulated by using a signal capable of reconstructing vision, so that a visual perception function of a person is restored.