Flexible Brain Probe Array Layout for Wider Neural Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brain electrode probes have limited coverage of brain regions, requiring multiple probes that cause significant skull injuries due to multiple rear-end interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible implantable probe apparatus with a multi-stage segmentation design, where each segment increases in number exponentially, allowing a larger coverage area and reducing the need for multiple probes, with a hierarchical management system to prevent entanglement and enhance flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple brain electrode probes are used to increase coverage area, then the coverage area of brain regions is improved, but the skull injuries caused by multiple rear-end interfaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe apparatus is divided into multiple second parts (probe arrays) that extend from a first part (connector), allowing a single apparatus to cover multiple brain regions simultaneously. Each second part contains multiple probes arranged in arrays, enabling comprehensive coverage without requiring multiple separate implantations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical structure where the first part (connector with contact pads) contains or connects to multiple second parts (probe arrays). Each second part is further divided into N stages of segments with exponential increase in segment numbers, creating a nested configuration that maximizes coverage while minimizing the number of external connection points on the skull.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple probes are used to cover larger brain regions, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple rear-end interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple probe arrays (second parts) are integrated into a single probe apparatus that connects to the brain through one rear-end interface. The first part serves as a common connector containing contact pads that electrically connect all second parts, merging multiple probe functions into a single apparatus and eliminating the need for multiple separate interfaces on the skull.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single linear probe arrangement to a multi-dimensional probe array configuration. The N stages of segments with exponential increase in segment numbers create a hierarchical expansion in multiple directions, allowing comprehensive brain region coverage while maintaining a single connection point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If probes are made flexible to improve biocompatibility, then the biocompatibility is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe apparatus incorporates flexible substrates that allow the probes to conform to the brain's surface topology, improving biocompatibility and reducing mechanical stress on brain tissue. The flexible nature enables the probes to adapt to physiological movements without causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The division into N stages of segments with exponential increase in segment numbers creates a hierarchical structure where each segment can move independently, providing flexibility while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmented design allows the probes to bend and flex without compromising the stability of the entire apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable probe apparatus includes: a flexible substrate, which includes a first part and a plurality of second parts separated from each other; a probe pad array, which includes a plurality of contact pads that are formed in the first part; a plurality of electrodes, which are formed in respective tail end sections of the plurality of second parts away from the first part; and a plurality of leads, which are formed in the plurality of second parts to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes to the corresponding contact pads respectively; where each second part in the plurality of second parts includes N stages of segments, the Nth stage of segments include the respective tail end sections of the plurality of second parts, a plurality of branches are branched from each segment in the nth stage of segments to serve as the (n+1)th stage of segments.