Iterative Solenoids Array for Deep Neural Circuit Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technologies are limited in their ability to selectively stimulate or inhibit specific neural circuits in the brain, particularly deeper regions, due to the sparse and non-selective nature of magnetic field application, which restricts their therapeutic effectiveness in treating conditions like depression and cravings for substances.
Innovation Solution
The development of an advanced array of electromagnets based on iterative solenoids that generate longer and more concentrated harmonic magnetic fields, allowing for precise stimulation of neural circuits and modulation of biochemical reactions, including the use of Far-Field Magnetic Transfer technology to enhance magnetic power transfer and molecular interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional TMS uses standard electromagnets to stimulate brain regions, then superficial regions can be reached, but deeper brain regions cannot be effectively stimulated due to field sparsity and lack of selectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electromagnetic stimulation system into multiple independently controllable electromagnets arranged in arrays, allowing selective stimulation of specific neural circuits while avoiding adjacent regions. This segmentation enables precise targeting of deep brain structures like the accumbens nucleus and supra-orbital cortex separately from other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating highly concentrated magnetic fields at specific target locations within the brain while maintaining low field strength in surrounding areas. This is achieved through optimized electromagnet geometry and positioning, allowing selective modulation of biochemical reactions in targeted neural circuits without affecting neighboring regions.
2Volume of moving object
If stronger electromagnetic fields are applied to reach deeper brain regions, then penetration depth improves, but selectivity among neighboring regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electromagnets are arranged in arrays with independent control, allowing the magnetic field to be concentrated at deep target locations while maintaining selectivity. Each electromagnet contributes to the overall field pattern, enabling deep penetration to structures like the accumbens nucleus without causing sparse, non-selective stimulation of surrounding regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses three-dimensional positioning and shaping of magnetic fields to achieve selective deep stimulation. By controlling the spatial distribution of magnetic field vectors in multiple dimensions, the system can target specific deep brain structures while avoiding adjacent regions, resolving the trade-off between penetration depth and selectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard TMS methods are used for therapeutic treatment, then general brain stimulation is achieved, but specific neural circuit modulation for conditions like cravings is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented electromagnet array configuration enables independent control of stimulation parameters for different neural circuits involved in various therapeutic conditions. This allows precise targeting of craving-related circuits in the accumbens nucleus and supra-orbital cortex while maintaining the ability to treat other conditions with different circuit targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by creating highly selective magnetic field patterns that modulate biochemical reactions in specific neural circuits associated with particular therapeutic indications. This enables precise intervention in craving pathways while preserving the versatility to address other neurological and psychiatric conditions through different circuit targets.
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
This technology enables targeted stimulation of specific neural circuits, such as the supra-orbital cortex and accumbens nucleus, leading to reduced cravings and improved therapeutic outcomes by enhancing biochemical reactions and neural plasticity, offering a more effective approach compared to conventional TMS methods.
Implementation Method 1
localized magnetic fields (LMFs) could easily penetrate a patient's hair, scalp, skull, meninges, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and brain thereby inducing an electrical current in the central and peripheral nervous systems
Implementation Method 2
transfer magnetic power over anatomical regions as well as molecular vibration and heat over selectively chosen molecular types within such regions in order to enhance biochemical reactions (i.e., catalysis)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure teaches a magnetic field technology that generates longer and more concentrated magnetic density, thereby enabling the selection and stimulation of specifically planed neural circuits to produce plasticity and regeneration of biological material (e.g., cellular structures) by inhibiting the neural circuits that inhibit the plasticity and regeneration of such benefic neural circuits.