Magnetic Electrode Assembly with Conductive Fluid for Stable Transcranial Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for transcranial electrostimulation lack stability and accurate electrode placement, which can lead to inconsistent neural modulation and reduced efficacy in therapeutic applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrostimulation apparatus featuring a low current component with magnetic electrodes and high current components, supported by a conductive fluid, which ensures mechanical stability and uniform current distribution across the tissue surface through a combination of magnetic and electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple individual sponge-type electrode pads are used for transcranial electrostimulation, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the stability and accuracy of electrode placement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode assembly structureVSAvoidelectrode placement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrode pads into a single integrated electrode assembly with a common conductive fluid reservoir, merging the functions of multiple separate electrodes while maintaining individual electrical connections through the shared conductive fluid medium

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive fluid acts as an intermediary between the high current component and the low current component, enabling electrical connection while allowing for stable and accurate placement on the scalp surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If simple individual sponge-type electrode pads are used for transcranial electrostimulation, then the device complexity is low, but the stability of electrode placement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode assembly structureVSAvoidelectrode placement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrode pads into a single integrated electrode assembly with a common conductive fluid reservoir, merging the functions of multiple separate electrodes while maintaining individual electrical connections through the shared conductive fluid medium

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode assembly is designed with a curved configuration that conforms to the scalp surface, improving stability and comfort during prolonged wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If conventional sponge-type electrode pads are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the neural modulation consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode applicationVSAvoidneural modulation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive fluid acts as an intermediary between the high current component and the low current component, enabling electrical connection while allowing for stable and accurate placement on the scalp surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a layered structure with high current and low current components at different depths, changing the electrical parameter distribution to achieve consistent neural modulation while maintaining ease of application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances the stability and accuracy of electrode placement, leading to improved neural modulation and increased efficacy in therapeutic applications such as treating neurological disorders and enhancing cognitive functions.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the first and second electrodes assemblies includes at least one of a magnetic electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a conductive fluid supported by the low current component for facilitating a flow of electric current across the tissue surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10143832B2Electrode assemblies for delivering therapeutic electrostimulation
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 RES FOUND THE CITY UNIV OF NEW YORK
  • US10143832B2 patent drawing
  • US10143832B2 patent drawing
  • US10143832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for delivering therapeutic electrostimulation across a tissue surface includes a current source, a low current component adapted to contact the tissue surface, a first electrode assembly electrically connected to the current source and supported by the low current component, a second electrode assembly electrically connected to the current source and supported by the low current component and a conductive fluid supported by the low current component for facilitating a flow of electric current across the tissue surface. At least one of the first and second electrodes assemblies includes at least one of a magnetic electrode, a high current component and a non-current component.