Brain Probe Metal Core Segmentation for Deep Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brain probes are brittle and lack sufficient sensitivity for detecting electric signals over their entire circumference due to their silicon substrate composition and orientation-dependent signal reception, making them inadequate for deep brain insertion and comprehensive neural activity monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A brain probe with a metal core and multiple electrode plates covering its side surfaces, forming an n-angular cross section, allowing for omnidirectional signal detection and insertion, featuring a tapered tip and equidiametric portion with integrated signal processing circuits for enhanced sensitivity and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a silicon substrate is used for the brain probe, then the probe can be manufactured with fine electrodes using LSI techniques, but the probe becomes brittle and cannot be individually inserted into deep brain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two functional parts: a silicon electrode array (for signal detection) and a metal support shaft (for mechanical strength). The silicon substrate containing electrodes is detachably attached to the metal shaft, allowing the probe to benefit from both LSI-manufactured precision electrodes and the mechanical strength of metal for deep brain insertion.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are disposed on both planes of the tip portion, then electric signals can be detected from both sides, but the probe still lacks sufficient sensitivity over the entire circumference due to orientation dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode detection capability is extended from two-dimensional plane detection to three-dimensional omnidirectional detection by arranging electrodes on multiple surfaces (front surface and side surfaces) of the probe tip. This spatial distribution allows the probe to detect electric signals from all directions regardless of insertion orientation.
3Length of moving object
If the probe is made long (above 40 mm) to reach deep brain regions, then the probe can access basal ganglia, but the brittle silicon structure cannot be inserted individually without additional metal tube guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into a long metal support shaft (providing mechanical strength for deep insertion) and a detachable silicon electrode array (for signal detection). The metal shaft enables individual insertion into deep brain regions without additional guidance tubes, while the silicon electrode array can be attached or detached as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A brain probe includes: a core probe made from a metal; and n electrode plates attached so as to cover an entire side surface circumference of the core probe and forming n side planes providing an n-angular cross section (n is an integer equal to or greater than 3). Each of the electrode plates is manufactured by a LSI manufacturing process, and provided with at least one electrode and a lead-out wiring extending in a longitudinal direction of a side plane from each of the at least one electrode.