Multi-Coil Magnetic Stimulation for 3D Field Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic stimulation methods face challenges in controlling the direction of the induced electric field, leading to decreased intensity and ineffective neuron activation when the coil position is changed, especially in three-dimensional space.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic stimulation method that calculates and superimposes currents in a coil group to generate a controllable induced electric field direction, using three non-coplanar vector electric fields to achieve flexible and accurate neuron stimulation without moving the coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the coil is changed to achieve a change in the direction of the electric field in three-dimensional space, then the direction of the electric field can be changed, but the coil will be moved away from the original stimulation target point, causing the intensity of the electric field to decrease rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single coil into multiple coils (at least three) arranged in specific spatial configurations. Each coil can be independently controlled to generate electric field components in different directions. By segmenting the coil system, the patent enables directional control through current modulation rather than physical movement, maintaining field intensity at the target point while achieving versatile direction control in three-dimensional space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the coil is changed to achieve a change in the direction of the electric field, then the direction can be adjusted, but the stimulation effectiveness is lost due to rapid intensity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (current magnitude and direction) of multiple coils instead of changing the physical position of the coil. By independently controlling the current in each coil segment, the system can adjust the direction of the induced electric field while maintaining the coil-tissue interface and preserving field intensity. This parameter-based control enables flexible direction adjustment without compromising neuron activation effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a single coil is used for magnetic stimulation, then the structure is simple, but the control of the electric field direction in three-dimensional space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single coil into multiple coils (at least three) arranged in specific spatial configurations, such as orthogonal or angled arrangements. Each segmented coil can be independently controlled to generate electric field components in different directions. This segmentation enables three-dimensional direction control capability while keeping each individual coil segment relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional coil system where at least three coils work together to achieve comprehensive three-dimensional electric field direction control. The system can generate electric field vectors in any direction within three-dimensional space by coordinating the current in multiple coils, providing universal direction control capability for various stimulation targets and neuronal orientations.
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 control of the induced electric field direction in three-dimensional space, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of magnetic stimulation by maintaining field intensity and targeting specific neuronal structures.
Implementation Method 1
make a pulse current into a coil to generate a magnetic field that can penetrate through the scalp, the skull and other obstacle tissues, induce an electric field in the brain
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a magnetic stimulation method with a controllable induced field direction, and belongs to the technical field of noninvasive neural regulation. The method includes the following steps: S100, determining currents i1j, i2j, i3j, j=1, 2, . . . , n required to respectively generate unit vector electric fields at a target point Pt, when the currents i1j, i2j, i3j, are respectively applied through a coil j of a magnetic stimulation coil group, n≥3 and n being an integer; S200, decomposing an electric field E required at the target point Pt to three electric field components E1, E2, E3; S300, calculating currents I1j, I2j, I3j that respectively generate the electric field components E1, E2, E3 at the target point Pt, I1j=E1i1j, I2j=E2i2j, I3j=E3i3j; S400, generating the electric field E at the target point Pt by applying a current Ij=I1j+I2j+I3j=E1i1+E2i2, I3j+E3i3; through the coil j, j=1, 2, . . . , n.