Cylindrical Microelectrode Array with Conformal Multilayer Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neural interface technologies face limitations such as limited electrode density, large size, high battery consumption, and inability to target multiple anatomical regions due to their design, which restricts accurate control of stimulation and recording in neural tissue.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical microelectrode array with a multilayer structure that includes a high-density electrode section, a connector section for external electronics, and a cable section, fabricated by conformally folding a planar multilayer structure around a cylindrical core, allowing for radial and axial electrode distribution and minimizing crosstalk between stimulation and recording channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional hand-made electrode arrays with platinum discs are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but electrode density and miniaturization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode densityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional hand-made platinum disc electrodes to microfabricated planar electrodes with dimensions in the micrometer range. This parameter change in electrode size and fabrication scale enables significantly higher electrode density while maintaining manufacturability through standardized microfabrication processes rather than manual assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multilayer composite structure comprising alternating layers of conductive materials (electrodes, traces, bond pads) and insulating materials (dielectric layers). This composite architecture enables high electrode density and complex interconnections while maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic layer-by-layer fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If electrode arrays with high electrode density are implemented, then recording and stimulation precision is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural recording precisionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges electrodes in a three-dimensional configuration along the cylindrical implant surface, utilizing axial and radial positioning to achieve high electrode density. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables precise neural recording from specific brain regions without requiring a large overall device volume, as electrodes are distributed along the length and circumference of the cylindrical implant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple anatomical targets are targeted simultaneously, then therapeutic versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical targeting versatilityVSAvoiddevice structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode array into multiple independently addressable electrode contacts distributed along the cylindrical implant. Each electrode can be independently controlled for stimulation or recording, enabling simultaneous targeting of multiple anatomical regions. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of stimulation patterns without increasing overall device structural complexity, as the multilayer fabrication process systematically creates all connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If electrical stimulation control in multiple regions is achieved, then neural modulation precision is improved, but crosstalk between channels increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation control precisionVSAvoidchannel crosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dielectric insulating layers as intermediary barriers between adjacent conductive elements (electrodes and traces). These insulating layers electrically isolate neighboring channels, preventing crosstalk while maintaining precise independent control of each electrode. The systematic multilayer structure ensures that stimulation signals in one region do not interfere with recording or stimulation in adjacent regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11357975B2Cylindrical microelectrode array for neural stimulation and recording

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A cylindrical microelectrode array having an elongated cylindrical core, and a multilayer structure conformally folded around and affixed to the cylindrical core so as to extend between opposite ends of the core. The multilayer structure has integrated sections including an electrode section with electrodes exposed through electrically insulating layers, a connector section with conductive bond pads for interfacing with external electronics, and a cable section with conductive traces encapsulated in electrically insulating layers and which connect between the electrodes and their corresponding bond pads. The array may be fabricated using a planar multilayer structure having the electrode, connector, and cable sections, and conformally folding the multilayer structure around and affixing to the cylindrical core. The cable section in particular may be conformally coiled around and affixed to the cylindrical core so that the electrical conduits helically extend between the connector and electrode sections.