Implantable Sensory System Using Magnetic Human Body Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and paralysis lack effective solutions for restoring sensation in the foot and hand, leading to debilitating complications such as foot ulcers and impaired hand function, with existing medications showing limited efficacy and patient compliance issues, and brain-machine interface technologies facing challenges in providing somatosensory feedback.

Innovation Solution

An implantable sensory system using subcutaneously implanted force sensors that transmit wireless communication signals via magnetic human body communication (mHBC) to a base unit, which modulates neural stimulation to restore foot sensation and reduce pain by recreating normal sensory conduction via the tibial nerve, and a similar system for the hand using capacitive sensors and a wearable hub to provide tactile feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If medications are used to treat neuropathic pain, then pain relief is achieved, but patient compliance remains poor and efficacy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidpatient compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological treatment (chemical system) with an electrical stimulation system. Implantable sensors detect mechanical forces and convert them to electrical signals that stimulate nerves directly, bypassing the need for medications and improving both efficacy and compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects forces through implanted sensors and triggers appropriate neural stimulation without requiring patient intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates compliance issues associated with medication adherence while providing reliable, consistent treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If brain-machine interface technology is used to restore hand function, then motor control is improved, but somatosensory feedback is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand functionVSAvoidsomatosensory feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where implantable force sensors in the hand detect tactile forces and transmit this information to the brain through neural stimulation. This restores somatosensory feedback that was lost in traditional brain-machine interface approaches, enabling both motor control and sensory perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces force sensors as intermediary devices that mediate between mechanical forces in the hand and neural signals to the brain. These sensors capture tactile information and convert it to electrical signals for neural delivery, bridging the gap between motor control and sensory feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If removable cast walkers are used to offload plantar pressure, then foot ulcer risk is reduced, but patient compliance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot ulcer riskVSAvoiddevice compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs implantable force sensors that continuously monitor plantar pressure and automatically trigger neural stimulation to offload pressure from vulnerable areas. This self-service system eliminates the need for patients to manually use removable cast walkers, ensuring consistent protection against foot ulcers without compliance issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces external mechanical offloading devices (removable cast walkers) with an internal neuroprosthetic system. Implantable sensors and neural stimulators work together to provide automatic pressure redistribution, substituting the need for cumbersome external devices while improving compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively reduces neuropathic pain, improves gait stability, and enhances hand dexterity by providing somatosensory feedback, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of foot ulcers and amputations, while being minimally invasive and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one force sensor is configured to transmit wireless communication signals to the base unit by magnetic human body communication (mHBC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic human body communication (mHBC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240139514A1Implantable sensory system
Publication Date: 2024.05.02 THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF PENNSYLVANIA
  • US20240139514A1 patent drawing
  • US20240139514A1 patent drawing
  • US20240139514A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensory system (10, 100) for improving and/or restoring sensation to a foot or hand of a patient. The system (10, 100) includes at least one force sensor (12, 102) implanted subcutaneously within a finger or palm of a hand or on a plantar surface of a foot of a patient and a base unit (18, 104) that is worn externally by the patient or is implanted subcutaneously in the patient. The force sensor (12, 102) is configured to transmit wireless communication signals to the base unit (18, 104) in response to and concerning forces sensed by the force sensor, and base unit (18, 104) is configured to apply peripheral nerve stimulation based on the wireless communication signals received from the force sensor (12) or to transmit the sensory data to a separate neural implant (106). The force sensor (12, 102) transmits the wireless communication signals to the base unit (18, 104) by magnetic human body communication (mHBC).