Portable Head-Worn Brain Stimulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brain stimulation technologies, such as TMS and tDCS, are either large and stationary or cause skin irritation, failing to provide a portable and painless method for stimulating specific brain areas like the DLPFC effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable head-worn device with two electrodes and a pulse generator that applies low-frequency electric signals through the scalp to stimulate the brain, allowing for continuous, non-invasive, and painless neuromodulation, potentially maintaining cognitive function similar to that of younger individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TMS devices are used to provide neuromodulation of deep targets, then brain stimulation effectiveness is improved, but device portability and patient mobility deteriorate due to large and stationary device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the brain stimulation system into separate components: a portable pulse generator unit that can be worn by the patient and a separate magnetic coil system. This segmentation allows the control electronics and power source to be close to the patient while the magnetic field generation can be positioned optimally, resolving the contradiction between portability and effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional stationary TMS setups to a portable wearable configuration by adding the dimension of patient mobility. The pulse generator is integrated into a portable device that can be worn on the patient's body, enabling movement while maintaining effective brain stimulation through coordinated magnetic field application
2Reliability
If constant direct current is applied through electrodes to the brain, then neuromodulation effectiveness is improved, but skin irritation and burning occur at the electrode contact sites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces constant direct current application with periodic pulsed electrical signals. The pulse generator delivers controlled electrical pulses through the magnetic coil system, which induces currents in the brain tissue without requiring continuous electrode contact. This periodic action achieves effective neuromodulation while eliminating the skin irritation caused by constant current flow through electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical electrode-contact system with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of applying current directly through electrodes that contact the skin, the system uses magnetic field induction to generate electrical currents in the brain tissue non-contactly, thereby eliminating skin irritation while maintaining neuromodulation effectiveness
3Reliability
If TMS devices use rapidly changing magnetic fields to induce electric currents, then brain stimulation capability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by using focused, targeted magnetic field application only when and where needed for effective brain stimulation. The portable pulse generator delivers precisely timed and positioned magnetic pulses to specific brain regions, avoiding excessive energy consumption associated with continuous or diffuse magnetic field application while maintaining adequate stimulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes energy consumption by carefully controlling magnetic field parameters including pulse duration, frequency, and amplitude. The pulse generator adjusts these parameters to achieve effective brain stimulation with minimal energy expenditure, resolving the contradiction between stimulation capability and energy use through precise parameter optimization
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 non-invasive, portable means to stimulate the DLPFC, enhancing cognitive functions like memory and attention, and extending these levels for older wearers, without causing discomfort or skin irritation.
Implementation Method 1
The first electric signal and the second electric signal induce an electric current between the first electrode and the second electrode through the scalp of the wearer and the portion of the brain of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained portable head worn device and methods to stimulate a portion of the brain of a wearer are presented. A first electrode is held by the head worn device against the scalp of the wearer in a first location and a second electrode is held against the scalp of the wearer in a second location. A pulse generator generates a first electric signal received by the first electrode and a second electric signal received by the second electrode. A power source is connected to the pulse generator.