Head-Mountable Magnetic Field Device With Independent Magnet Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for generating magnetic fields lack the capability for individual and independent adjustments of magnets, failing to optimize and customize magnetic field generation in three-dimensional space relative to a subject's head, and are not portable or wearable.

Innovation Solution

A head-mountable device with a magnet assembly and fit mechanisms that allow for independent adjustment of magnets, enabling finer tuning and more flexible adjustment of magnetic fields, including rotational movement of magnets to optimize magnetic field variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional devices for generating magnetic fields are used, then magnetic field generation is achieved, but individual and independent adjustment of magnets is not possible, limiting customization and optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of magnetsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the magnet assembly into multiple independently adjustable magnet units, each capable of individual positioning and orientation adjustment. This segmentation allows independent control of each magnet's position and angle, enabling customized magnetic field configurations without requiring complete redesign of the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of magnet positions and orientations. The fit mechanisms enable users to adjust magnet positions along multiple axes and rotate magnets to different angles, transforming a static magnet assembly into a dynamic, reconfigurable system that can be optimized for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed magnet positions are used, then device structure is simplified, but magnetic field tuning and flexibility in three-dimensional space are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field tuningVSAvoidadjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables adjustment of magnet positions in three-dimensional space by incorporating fit mechanisms that allow movement along multiple axes (X, Y, Z directions). This multi-dimensional adjustability provides fine-tuning capability for magnetic field generation, allowing optimization of field characteristics at different spatial locations without complicating the basic adjustment concept.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional non-wearable devices are used, then magnetic field generation capability is sufficient, but portability and wearable capability are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearable capabilityVSAvoiddevice integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the magnet assembly, adjustment mechanisms, and housing into a single integrated wearable unit. The fit mechanisms are incorporated directly into the housing structure, and the overall design combines multiple functions (magnetic field generation, adjustment, and wearing) into one cohesive device that can be comfortably worn on the head while maintaining full adjustability capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If magnets cannot rotate, then device structure is simpler, but magnetic field variability and dynamic range are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field variabilityVSAvoidrotation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates rotational capability for magnets, allowing them to be rotated to different orientations and angles. This dynamic rotation feature, combined with positional adjustment, enables significant variability in magnetic field generation by changing the spatial arrangement and orientation of magnetic poles, greatly expanding the range of achievable field configurations without requiring complex separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides a portable, wearable solution for generating magnetic fields with a larger dynamic range of variability, suitable for treating mental disorders without medication, offering precise control over magnetic field characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic fields, especially varying magnetic fields can be generated by movement of one or more magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a first permanent magnet via a first axle along a first axis of rotation, wherein the first axle is configured to drive movement of the first permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11998755B2Head-mountable adjustable devices for generating magnetic fields
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 WAVE NEUROSCIENCE INC
  • US11998755B2 patent drawing
  • US11998755B2 patent drawing
  • US11998755B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Helmets for applying a magnetic field to the head of a subject, comprising: a housing comprising a concave surface configured to receive a portion of the head of the subject; a motor coupled to one or more of: a first permanent magnet via a first axle along a first axis of rotation, wherein the first axle drives movement of the first magnet; a second magnet via a second axle along a second axis of rotation wherein the second axle drives movement of the second magnet; and a third magnet via a third axle along the third axis of rotation wherein the third axle drives movement of the third magnet, wherein the axes are parallel; and a fit mechanism comprising a adjuster coupled to the first magnet, wherein movement of the adjustor moves the first magnet independently of the second or the third magnet.