Bent Neural Probe Body Enclosing Nerve Circumference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural probe structures face challenges in securely fixing to nerves due to limited supporting strength, leading to potential slippage and nerve damage, especially when subjected to forces.
Innovation Solution
A neural probe structure with a bent body that encloses part of the nerve circumference and extends probes through it, featuring a thin flat plate or polygonal shape with supporting parts and electrodes, and a neural probe assembly with multiple probes arranged in different directions and secured with a cover to prevent slippage and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin pointed probe is used to fix the neural probe structure to the nerve, then the probe can be inserted into the nerve, but the supporting strength is insufficient and the structure easily slips off
Solution Approach 1:
The neural probe structure is divided into a thin pointed probe for insertion and a separate body portion with protrusions for fixation. The probe penetrates the nerve while the body remains external, with protrusions engaging the nerve surface to provide stable fixation without requiring the entire structure to be thin and pointed.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is inserted through the body structure into the nerve, with the body enclosing part of the nerve circumference. This nested arrangement allows the probe to be positioned within the nerve while the body provides external support and fixation through its protrusions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If protrusions are formed on the probe in the opposite direction to prevent slippage, then fixation stability improves, but the sharp structure may cause great damage to the nerve
Solution Approach 1:
Protrusions are formed only on specific portions of the body that contact the nerve surface, while the probe portion inserted into the nerve remains smooth and pointed without protrusions. This localized application of fixation features provides stability where needed while avoiding nerve damage during insertion and at the insertion site.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming protrusions on the probe that inserts into the nerve (which would cause damage), the protrusions are inverted to be formed on the body portion that contacts the external surface of the nerve. This reverses the location of the fixation features from the internal insertion point to the external contact point.
3Reliability
If the neural probe structure is subjected to forces when fixed to the nerve, then signal acquisition may be affected, but the probe structure may cause serious damage to the nerve
Solution Approach 1:
The body structure with its protrusions and encirclement of the nerve provides a cushioning effect that distributes mechanical forces away from the probe-nerve interface. When forces are applied to the neural probe structure, the body absorbs and disperses these forces, preventing concentrated stress on the nerve and protecting against damage while maintaining signal acquisition capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A neural probe structure, which is fixed to a nerve to acquire an electrical signal from the nerve or apply electrical stimulation to the nerve, includes a body which is bent to enclose at least a part of circumference of the nerve, and a probe which extends longitudinally from the body and passes through the nerve, wherein the probe has electrodes. A neural probe assembly includes the neural probe structure, wherein the probe passes through the nerve and the body encloses at least a part of circumference of the nerve, so that the neural probe structure is fixed to the nerve.