Flexible CMOS Ultrasound Phased Array for Non-Invasive Neural Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neuromodulation techniques face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution and depth while being non-invasive and portable, with existing methods either requiring invasive surgery or suffering from reduced effectiveness due to attenuation with depth, especially in transcranial direct-current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive, wearable ultrasound phased array patch on flexible CMOS integrated circuit that includes multiple ultrasound transducers, capable of operating in both imaging and stimulation modes, dynamically controlling ultrasound signal parameters for precise neural modulation without genetic modification, and conforming to body curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive implantable electrodes are used to achieve high spatial resolution and depth penetration, then neural interface performance is improved, but surgical risk and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidsurgical risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/electrical implantable electrodes with acoustic waves (ultrasound) as the medium for neural stimulation and imaging. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical implantation while maintaining the capability for deep brain penetration and spatially resolved neural modulation through focused acoustic energy delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ultrasound waves as an intermediary medium between the external transducer and neural tissue. This intermediary enables non-invasive transmission of energy and information through the skull and brain tissue, achieving deep penetration without direct physical contact or implantation of electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive techniques like tDCS or TMS are used to avoid surgery, then invasiveness is reduced, but spatial resolution and depth penetration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing ultrasound energy to specific localized regions within the brain using phased array beamforming. Each transducer element can be independently controlled to create focal points at precise spatial coordinates, enabling high spatial resolution stimulation and imaging of specific brain structures without affecting surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in ultrasound frequency, amplitude, and phase to achieve both deep penetration and high spatial resolution. By dynamically adjusting these parameters across multiple transducer elements, the system can focus acoustic energy at varying depths and locations within the brain, overcoming the limitations of traditional non-invasive methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If traditional ultrasound imaging systems are used to achieve depth penetration, then depth capability is improved, but device size and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth penetrationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ultrasound system into a compact phased array transducer with integrated electronics and processing. By dividing the transducer into multiple independently controllable elements and implementing beamforming algorithms, the system achieves deep penetration capability in a miniaturized form factor suitable for portable or wearable applications, reducing both size and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional ultrasound system that can perform both imaging and neural stimulation using the same hardware platform. This universal system eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining deep penetration capability through a single integrated device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides high spatial resolution and depth penetration in neural interfaces, enabling effective neuromodulation and monitoring while avoiding tissue damage, with the flexibility to conform to body curvatures and reduced acoustic loading, thus overcoming the limitations of existing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of ultrasound transducers coupled to the flexible integrated circuit and configured to generate the one or more ultrasound signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240407757A1ULTRASOUND PHASED ARRAY ON FLEXIBLE CMOS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING HEREOF (as amended herein)

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

An ultrasound phased array integrated in flexible CMOS technology is provided. The CMOS IC chip is fabricated through various chip-thinning techniques, resulting in mechanical flexibility, robustness, and minimized mechanical loading for the piezoelectric transducers. The ultrasound phased array CMOS patch can allow for the generation of high intensity focal regions for maximum penetration in regions of interest.