Focused Magnetic Stimulation via Coil Array Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation technologies face challenges such as large device size, invasive implantation, unfocused electrical current spread, and lack of feedback control, leading to complications and ineffective targeting of nerve stimulation, particularly for peripheral and central nervous system disorders.
Innovation Solution
The development of a neuromodulation device with an array of electrically conductive coils and advanced circuitry that controls current pulses for focused magnetic stimulation, using metamaterial coils and smart algorithms to achieve precise, minimally invasive neural modulation by shaping magnetic fields and selectively stimulating nerve fascicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical current is applied for nerve stimulation, then nerve structures can be modulated, but the electrical current spreads uncontrollably causing unfocused stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the stimulation field into multiple discrete coil elements arranged in arrays, allowing independent control of each segment to achieve focused magnetic fields at specific neural targets while preventing unfocused current spread
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism between the electrical current source and the neural tissue. By using electromagnetic induction through conductive coils, the system generates focused magnetic fields that induce localized electric currents in the nerve structures, avoiding direct application of unfocused electrical current
2Power
If strong magnetic fields are applied for neuromodulation, then nerve structures can be stimulated, but the device size becomes large and implantation becomes invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the magnetic field generation into multiple small coil elements rather than using a single large magnet or coil, enabling strong localized magnetic fields at neural targets while keeping each coil element small and manageable for minimally invasive implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct electrical stimulation to electromagnetic field-based stimulation, adding the magnetic field dimension as an intermediary. This allows the system to achieve strong neural stimulation effects through electromagnetic induction while using smaller, more implantable coil structures
3Extent of automation
If electrical current is used for nerve stimulation, then neural modulation can be achieved, but feedback control mechanisms are lacking reducing treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the neural response and adjust stimulation parameters in real-time, improving treatment efficacy by adapting to individual patient responses and optimizing neural modulation outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functional capabilities including both stimulation and sensing functions, allowing it to deliver magnetic field stimulation while simultaneously monitoring neural activity and providing feedback control for optimized treatment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-precision, targeted nerve stimulation with deeper penetration and complex patterns, reducing adverse effects and improving treatment efficacy for a wide range of nervous system disorders.
Implementation Method 1
energize the coils in the array with current pulses that generate an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic field undergoes constructive and destructive interference that focuses and/or steers a magnetic flux density within a region of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation device includes electrically conductive coils arranged in an array and circuitry coupled to energize the coils in the array using current pulses that generate an electromagnetic field. The circuitry is configured to control one or more parameters of the current pulses, including at least amplitude and phase of the current pulses, such that the electromagnetic field undergoes constructive and destructive interference that focuses and/or steers a magnetic flux density within a region of interest of a patient.