Magnetic Stimulation Coil Layout for Multi-Region Brain Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TMS treatment apparatuses face issues with improper magnetic field generation, leading to incorrect treatment administration, concentration of return currents, and stimulation of unintended brain regions, requiring multiple large and cumbersome coils for multi-location stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electromagnet with non-circular conductive windings and ferromagnetic components, configured to generate independent activation zones within the brain, allowing for precise stimulation of multiple regions with reduced side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single-layer coil configuration is used to stimulate brain tissue at desirable depth, then stimulation depth is improved, but the device can only stimulate a single location requiring multiple large and cumbersome coils for multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is divided into multiple independent winding sections (first winding section, second winding section, third winding section) that can be independently controlled. Each section can generate magnetic fields at different locations, allowing a single coil to stimulate multiple brain regions without requiring multiple separate coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil configuration is made dynamic through independent control of different winding sections. The system can switch between different stimulation patterns and locations by activating different sections, providing adaptability for multiple stimulation targets while maintaining the space-efficient single-coil design.
2Device complexity
If current TMS devices operate without precise control, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to magnetic field pulses outside designed specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms where the controller monitors and adjusts the drive signals to each winding section based on desired magnetic field parameters. This ensures that the generated magnetic field pulses remain within designed specifications, improving treatment reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control of magnetic field parameters (strength, duration, timing) by independently adjusting electrical parameters (current, voltage, pulse width) delivered to each winding section. This parameter control ensures accurate and reliable magnetic field generation without requiring overly complex device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic field pulses are applied without precise targeting, then treatment procedure is simplified, but side effects increase due to stimulation of untargeted regions
Solution Approach 1:
Different winding sections of the coil are designed with specific spatial orientations and configurations optimized for targeting different brain regions. Each section can be independently activated to provide localized stimulation precisely where needed, reducing stimulation of adjacent untargeted areas and minimizing side effects while maintaining ease of operation through selective activation.
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
Enables precise and efficient magnetic stimulation of multiple brain regions with reduced side effects by generating independent activation zones, ensuring accurate treatment delivery and minimizing unintended stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
When a changing magnetic field is applied to a portion of the body, neurons may be depolarized and stimulated. The magnetic stimulation component may be used to produce the rapidly changing magnetic field inducing a current on a nerve cell.
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnet may include a magnetic core, a first winding, and a second winding.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system may include an electromagnet, a drive circuit electrically coupled to the electromagnet, and a controller configured to control the drive circuit to provide current to the electromagnet to generate a pulsing magnetic field. The electromagnet may include a first conductive winding, a second conductive winding, and a magnetic core. The first conductive winding may be crescent shaped. The first conductive winding may define an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the first conductive winding may include a convex portion and a concave portion. The second conductive winding may reside proximate to the concave portion of the outer surface of the first conductive winding. The outer concave segment of the first conductive winding may define a concavity, and at least a portion of the second conductive winding may reside within the concavity of the first conductive winding.