BioBolt Neural Interface for Wireless Epidural Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural recording technologies face challenges in achieving high spatial and spectral frequency content while minimizing invasiveness and power consumption, particularly in chronic monitoring of neural activities, and existing systems are limited by infection risks, system size, and power constraints.
Innovation Solution
The development of a neural interface system, known as BioBolt, which includes a threaded housing for cranial insertion, an epidural electrode for recording neural activity, and a wireless data transmission capability, along with a central neural interface for data relay and control, utilizing a successive approximation register ADC and comparator for efficient data conversion and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single unit action potential recording is used to achieve high spatial resolution (0.2 mm) and spectral frequency (10 kHz), then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes totally invasive and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by recording from the dura mater surface rather than penetrating into the brain tissue. The epidural electrode array captures neural signals through the dura mater without direct cortical penetration, serving as a mediator between non-invasive and invasive recording methods. This resolves the contradiction by achieving good spatial resolution (5 mm) without the infection risks associated with total invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific recording locations on the dura mater surface with electrode arrays. Rather than requiring deep penetration for single-unit recording, the system optimizes electrode placement and configuration at the epidural level to capture locally generated neural potentials with sufficient spatial and spectral resolution for the application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ECoG system is used to achieve less invasive recording with better accuracy (5 mm spatial resolution, 250 Hz bandwidth), then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases due to passive electrode array and tethered wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic elements of traditional ECoG systems by removing the passive electrode array and tethered wire bundle. The active electrode design integrates signal processing and wireless communication capabilities directly into the implanted device, eliminating the need for external cables and complex tethering mechanisms while maintaining the less invasive epidural approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethered wire system with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically connecting the electrode array to external equipment through cables, the system uses wireless data transmission to communicate neural signals, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and eliminating mechanical complexity associated with wire management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If scalp EEG system is used to achieve non-invasive recording, then object-affected harmful factors are minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited spatial and temporal resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a minimally invasive approach rather than fully non-invasive or fully invasive extremes. The epidural electrode array penetrates the skull but stops at the dura mater surface, providing partial invasion that achieves intermediate performance: better spatial resolution than scalp EEG while maintaining lower infection risk than cortical penetration.
4Duration of action of moving object
If chronic monitoring system is implemented to enable long-term neural recording, then duration of action is improved, but power consumption increases and free movement is limited by external cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-based power and data transmission system with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the physical constraint of external cables, enabling free movement during chronic monitoring while managing power consumption through efficient wireless protocols and low-power signal processing integrated into the implanted device.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If epidural electrode array is used to achieve minimally invasive recording, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but manufacturing precision challenges arise in electrode fabrication and implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the epidural electrode device, including signal recording, wireless communication, and power management in a single integrated implantable unit. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that require precise assembly, while maintaining the minimally invasive epidural approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A neural interface for measuring or stimulating brain neural activity, either as a standalone unit or as a part of a larger system of similar neural interfaces. The neural interface includes a bolt-shaped housing having a tool-engaging head and threaded shank with internal circuitry and at least one electrode. In use, the housing is threaded into a cranial bore such that the electrode contacts the outer surface of the meninges. The neural interface circuitry includes an SAR ADC that provides at least rail-to-rail operation to convert received signals from the electrode(s) into digital data that can be modulated and wirelessly transmitted by intra-skin or other suitable communication.