Floating Electrode Pair Neuromodulation With Stronger Induced Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exogenous electric field devices for neuromodulation are inefficient due to low induced currents and voltages, which are overshadowed by endogenous electrical noise, making reliable neuromodulation difficult.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a signal source and electrode pairs with optimized geometry and external capacitors to generate strong electric fields, incorporating grounding to enhance charge induction and interaction with skin tissues, using alternating and direct currents to induce charges and currents without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional capacitor-like electrode structures with air gaps are used to generate external electric fields, then the device can operate without direct skin contact, but the induced currents are extremely low (picoamperes per square centimeter) and voltages are in the nanovolt range, making reliable neuromodulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the electrode structure by replacing the air gap with a dielectric material having high permittivity. This parameter change increases the capacitance from picofarads to microfarads range, thereby increasing the induced currents from picoamperes to microamperes per square centimeter, achieving reliable neuromodulation while maintaining non-contact operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite electrode structures combining conductive materials with high-permittivity dielectric materials. This composite approach creates capacitor-like structures where the dielectric layer replaces the air gap, enabling both non-contact operation and sufficiently strong induced currents for reliable neuromodulation
2Device complexity
If the air gap and epidermis form a capacitive divider, then the device structure is simple, but the effective voltage delivered to the skin is reduced by a factor of 10^9 to 10^12, making therapeutic effects insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the capacitance parameter of the electrode structure by introducing high-permittivity dielectric materials. This changes the capacitive divider ratio, increasing the effective voltage delivered to the skin from nanovolt range to microvolt or millivolt range, providing sufficient power for therapeutic effects while keeping the electrode structure relatively simple
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low-frequency, low-intensity electric fields are applied to affect the peripheral nervous system, then the device can operate safely, but the induced currents are insufficient to cause classic nerve stimulation by neural membrane polarization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the intensity parameter of the applied electric field by using high-permittivity dielectric materials to concentrate and enhance the field strength at the skin interface. This enables the device to deliver sufficiently intense fields for classic nerve stimulation by neural membrane polarization while maintaining low-frequency operation for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternating current at low frequencies to create time-varying electric fields that can effectively polarize neural membranes. The periodic nature of the field, combined with enhanced intensity from the dielectric structure, enables reliable nerve stimulation while maintaining safety through low-frequency operation
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 significantly increases the efficacy of neuromodulation by enhancing the strength of induced currents and voltages, allowing for targeted therapeutic effects on the nervous system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode pair for generating an external electric field to induce charges and currents into a subject's skin
Implementation Method 2
A capacitor element is coupled across the output terminals of the power source and is operably coupled to the electrode pair through a switching circuit. The capacitor element increases the charges between the plates and in the outside fringe field thus increasing forces of interaction with free charges in the tissues.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for affecting the patient's neural system by applying an Electric Field generated by an electrode pair electrically floating with respect to the earth potential and skin surface potential of the subject for achieving neurologic effects, such as analgesia, muscle relaxation, stress control, etc. The device includes a housing encasing a power supply, a device printed circuit board, and an electrode printed circuit board supporting at least one electrode pair. Each electrode pair includes an active electrode and a reference electrode arranged in either a non-coplanar or coplanar configuration. When driven by a signal source through a switching circuit and capacitor element, the electrodes generate internal and fringe electric fields that interact with the skin surface to induce lateral currents.