Flexible Neural Electrode Composite Structure for Batch Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of efficiently implanting flexible neural electrodes in a high-throughput and large-scale manner is hindered by lengthy implantation operations and limited electrode implantation area, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive procedures with potential intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Innovation Solution

A flexible neural electrode composite structure is developed, comprising a plurality of flexible neural electrodes with an auxiliary implantation assembly, including auxiliary implantation needles and a fixture, allowing for simultaneous implantation of multiple electrodes, reducing operation time and difficulty.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flexible neural electrodes are implanted one by one using traditional methods, then implantation precision can be maintained, but implantation time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation throughputVSAvoidimplantation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flexible neural electrodes are integrated into a single composite structure with shared auxiliary components (fixture, implantation needle, insulation layer), allowing simultaneous implantation of multiple electrodes through one surgical opening, thereby dramatically increasing implantation throughput and reducing operational time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary structures (fixture, implantation needle, insulation layer) are pre-assembled with the flexible neural electrodes before implantation, creating a ready-to-deploy composite structure that eliminates the need for complex intraoperative assembly and reduces surgical time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple electrodes are implanted simultaneously using composite structure, then implantation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation throughputVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure is divided into modular functional segments (flexible neural electrodes, fixture, implantation needle, insulation layer) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled, making the complex system manageable and reusable across different implantation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary structures (fixture, implantation needle, insulation layer) serve multiple functions: they support multiple electrodes simultaneously, facilitate unified implantation through a single opening, provide insulation during the procedure, and can be reused across different implantation operations, reducing overall system complexity despite handling multiple electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If traditional rigid neural electrodes are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but mechanical mismatch with brain tissue causes damage and inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode strengthVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible neural electrode employs different material properties in different regions: the electrode core maintains sufficient electrical conductivity and structural integrity, while the surrounding insulation layer and auxiliary structures provide flexibility and mechanical compliance with brain tissue, achieving both strength and tissue compatibility through spatially differentiated material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 composite structure enables high-throughput and high-coverage implantation of flexible neural electrodes, improving implantation efficiency and reducing complications by allowing for batch implantation and integration with an auxiliary assembly.

Implementation Method 1

melting or dissolving the fixture, so that the auxiliary implantation end and the auxiliary structure are in a separable state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

melting or dissolving the fixture, so that the auxiliary implantation end and the auxiliary structure are in a separable state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolving: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS20250221651A1Flexible neural electrode composite structure and manufacturing and implantation method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 BEIJING BCIFLEX MEDICAL TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A flexible neural electrode composite structure and a manufacturing and an implantation method therefor are provided. The flexible neural electrode composite structure includes: a plurality of flexible neural electrodes, each flexible neural electrode including an implant portion and an auxiliary structure provided at the implant portion; an auxiliary implantation assembly, which includes a plurality of auxiliary implantation needles corresponding to the plurality of flexible neural electrodes on a one-to-one basis, wherein each auxiliary implantation needle includes an auxiliary implantation end located close to one end of a corresponding flexible neural electrode, and the auxiliary implantation end is configured to be assembled with the auxiliary structure corresponding thereto; and a fixture, which is configured to fix the assembled auxiliary implantation ends and auxiliary structures.