Micro Probe Array with Variable Height Electrodes for Curved Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro probe array devices face challenges in providing high spatial resolution and effective electrical stimulation due to electrode interference and irregular tissue curvature, requiring precise insertion and individual electrical signal application.
Innovation Solution
A micro probe array device with working electrodes of varying heights, connected through via contacts, and a reference electrode, where the height is adjusted based on tissue curvature and mechanical pressure to ensure close contact and effective signal transmission, and a manufacturing method involving anodic bonding, etching, and insulating layer deposition to facilitate individual electrode addressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple electrodes are used to provide electrical stimulation, then the treatment coverage is improved, but electrode interference increases and spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable electrode groups, where each group can be individually activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows selective stimulation of specific tissue regions, reducing interference between adjacent electrodes while maintaining comprehensive treatment coverage through coordinated activation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode array are designed with different functional characteristics - some electrodes are optimized for stimulation while others are designed for recording or reference functions. The insulating layers are selectively applied to specific electrode portions to create localized functional zones, enabling precise spatial control of electrical fields and improving both treatment coverage and spatial resolution simultaneously.
2Reliability
If electrodes are inserted to match irregular tissue curvature, then contact quality is improved, but device complexity and insertion precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array incorporates flexible substrates and adjustable support structures that allow the device to dynamically adapt its shape to match irregular tissue surfaces. The insulating layers are designed with varying thicknesses and compliance characteristics, enabling certain electrode portions to flex and conform to tissue curvature while maintaining stable electrical contact, thereby improving contact quality without requiring excessive insertion precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs flexible insulating film layers that can bend and conform to irregular tissue geometries. These thin film insulators maintain electrical isolation while allowing the electrode array to adapt to curved surfaces, improving contact quality across irregular tissues without increasing device complexity or insertion difficulty.
3Measurement precision
If individual electrical signals are applied to each electrode, then local stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is designed with multi-functional electrodes that can serve multiple purposes - stimulation, recording, and reference functions - depending on the activation pattern. By programming different activation sequences and combinations of electrodes, the same physical electrode structure can achieve various stimulation patterns and therapeutic effects, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying overall device complexity while maintaining local stimulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where electrical signals recorded from tissue are used to adjust and optimize subsequent stimulation patterns. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically adapt stimulation parameters based on real-time tissue responses, improving local stimulation precision while reducing the complexity of manual control by enabling automated adjustment of electrode activation patterns.
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 achieves precise and uniform electrical stimulation across curved tissue surfaces by adjusting electrode height and depth, enhancing treatment efficacy and spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a reference electrode formed at a lower end of the via contact and configured to provide an electric signal to the working electrode
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer formed on a portion of the working electrode, wherein the working electrode is arranged in an array form
Implementation Method 3
A distance between the working electrode and the object becomes closer or a depth to be inserted into the object increases, when a mechanical pressure of an actuator is applied to the reference electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A micro probe array device and method of manufacturing are disclosed. In the micro probe array device, a plurality of working electrodes are arranged in an array form, so that an individual electric signal can be applied to an object for each working electrode. In the micro probe array device, the height of the working electrode may be different, the working electrode and the counter electrode may constitute a double electrode, or the substrate may be made of a flexible material.