Multi-Layer Electrode Structure for Distinguishing Nerve Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to distinguish and effectively obtain electrical signals from multiple lead wires, particularly those propagating through nerves of an organism in a distinguishable form, which is crucial for brain-machine interface applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an electrode structure with multiple layers and pores of varying dimensions, each connected to a conductor, allowing unique routing of lead wires and enabling signal differentiation based on propagation rates, distance, and detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple lead wires are connected to a single electrode, then the quantity of electrical signals obtained increases, but the ability to distinguish and identify individual signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple independent pores, each capable of independently detecting electrical signals from individual lead wires. This segmentation allows multiple signals to be obtained while maintaining the ability to distinguish their sources, as each pore acts as an independent detection channel with its own conductor connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional electrode surface to a three-dimensional structure with multiple pores extending through the electrode thickness. By utilizing the depth dimension, the electrode can simultaneously accommodate multiple lead wires at different spatial positions while maintaining individual signal detection capability through depth-resolved measurement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electrode structure is simplified to accommodate multiple lead wires, then the ease of manufacture increases, but the ability to route and identify individual wires deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode utilizes a porous structure with multiple pores of controlled dimensions that allow lead wires to pass through while maintaining electrical contact. This porous design simplifies manufacturing compared to creating individual channels, as the pores can be formed using standard fabrication techniques while still providing distinct routing paths for multiple wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables electrical contact through conductors, and facilitates signal differentiation through its multi-pore geometry. Each pore acts as a universal interface that can accommodate any lead wire while maintaining individual signal identification capability.
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 approach allows for the clear identification and extraction of electrical signals from multiple nerves, facilitating advanced brain-machine interface applications by ensuring each signal can be distinguished and utilized effectively.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pores being connected to a conductor for conducting an electrical signal that propagates through a passing lead wire out from the electrode structure
Data Source
AI summary
This method for acquiring electrical signals from a plurality of lead wires uses an electrode structure to detect a plurality electrical signals from the plurality of lead wires, and includes: the feature wherein the electrode structure comprises a plurality of electrode layers arranged so as to be separated from each other, each of the plurality of electrode layers has a plurality of holes having dimensions such that the plurality of lead wires can pass therethrough, and each of the plurality of holes is connected to a conductor that conducts an electrical signal propagating through the lead wire passing through the hole to the outside of the electrode structure; and the feature of distinguishing between the detected plurality of electrical signals.