Microwave Field Stimulator for Wireless Neural Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural modulation therapies for chronic disabling conditions such as chronic pain and movement disorders rely on implanted electrodes that require invasive procedures and may not effectively adapt to changes in the body or patient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless neural stimulation system that includes a controller module with a storage device, controller, modulator, and antennas, which generates and transmits a stimulation waveform and polarity assignments to an implantable passive neural stimulation device using remote RF energy, enabling closed-loop feedback control and adaptive parameter adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implanted electrodes are used for neural modulation therapy, then therapeutic benefits are achieved through electrical stimulation of neural elements, but invasive procedures are required and tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical electrode-stimulation system with a microwave-based energy delivery system. The microwave field stimulator uses electromagnetic radiation (microwave frequency) to deliver energy to neural tissue without requiring physical electrode contact, thereby eliminating the need for invasive implantation procedures while maintaining therapeutic efficacy through non-invasive energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microwave energy as an intermediary medium between the external stimulator and the neural tissue. Instead of directly contacting neural elements with electrodes, the system uses microwave fields to penetrate tissue and deliver energy to target areas, with the microwave field acting as the mediating carrier that transfers energy without requiring physical insertion into the body.
2Ease of operation
If implanted electrodes are used for neural modulation, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to target neural elements, but the device requires invasive implantation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the implantable electrode system with an external microwave delivery system. The stimulator is positioned outside the body and delivers microwave energy through the skin to target neural tissue, eliminating the need for surgical implantation procedures while maintaining the ability to deliver controlled electrical stimulation effects to the desired neural elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed parameter electrical stimulation is used, then consistent therapeutic effect is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to changes in body or patient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor patient response and physiological conditions in real-time. The system uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust microwave energy delivery parameters such as power level, pulse duration, and frequency, allowing the therapy to adapt to changing patient conditions while maintaining consistent therapeutic effects through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-parameter stimulation system into a dynamic system that can adjust its operating parameters in real-time. The microwave stimulator incorporates variable control of energy delivery parameters that can be modified during treatment based on patient response, enabling the system to adapt to changing physiological conditions while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
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 provides effective neural modulation with reduced invasiveness, allows for real-time adjustments to stimulation parameters based on feedback, and improves therapeutic efficacy by minimizing tissue damage and optimizing energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The modulator configured to modulate a carrier signal with the output signal to generate a transmission signal
Implementation Method 2
The one or more antennas configured to transmit the transmission signal to the implantable, passive stimulation device
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a controller module, which includes a storage device, a controller, a modulator, and one or more antennas. The storage device is stored with parameters defining a stimulation waveform. The controller is configured to generate, based on the stored parameters, an output signal that includes the stimulation waveform, wherein the output signal additionally includes polarity assignments for electrodes in an implantable, passive stimulation device. The modulator modulates a stimulus carrier signal with the output signal to generate a transmission signal. The one or more antennas transmit the transmission signal to the implantable, passive stimulation device such that the implantable, passive stimulation device uses energy in the transmission signal for operation, sets the polarities for the electrodes in the implantable, passive stimulation device based on the encoded polarity assignments, generates electrical pulses using the stimulation waveform, and applies the electrical pulses to excitable tissue.