Multi-Level Solenoid Structure for Complex 3D EM Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for applying electrical or magnetic signals to cells, tissues, and organs face challenges such as tissue damage from direct contact, limited accessibility to certain areas, inability to create complex 3-dimensional electromagnetic fields, and difficulty in detecting and characterizing complex EMFs within tissues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multi-level fractal geometry, comprising a series of helically wound coils or solenoids, is used to generate and detect complex 3-dimensional electromagnetic fields without direct contact. This device can produce electromagnetic fields with desired symmetries and variations, and can act as a sensor to register and measure EMFs within items or bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrodes are used to apply electrical signals directly to cells, then electrical signals can be delivered to cells, but tissue damage occurs due to electrolysis at the contact point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to deliver electrical signals to cells without direct contact. The magnetic field penetrates tissue and induces electrical currents within the cells, eliminating the need for electrodes that cause electrolysis and tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system (electrodes physically touching tissue) with a field-based system (magnetic fields inducing electrical currents). This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical and chemical interactions at the electrode-tissue interface.
2Ease of operation
If electrodes are passed through layers of brain tissue to reach certain areas, then electrical signals can be applied to deep brain structures, but permanent impairment and loss of function occur due to damage to the layers traversed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic fields as a non-invasive intermediary that can penetrate through layers of brain tissue without causing damage. The magnetic field reaches deep brain structures and induces electrical currents there, eliminating the need to physically traverse and damage intermediate tissue layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical approach (passing electrodes through tissue layers) with a non-invasive field-based approach. Magnetic fields penetrate tissue without mechanical disruption, preventing permanent impairment while still delivering electrical signals to deep brain areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are added to create complex 3-dimensional electric fields, then more comprehensive field coverage is achieved, but technical challenges increase and not all cells are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single magnetic field source that simultaneously induces electrical currents throughout the entire volume of tissue, replacing the need for multiple electrodes. The magnetic field penetrates and affects all cells in the target area uniformly, achieving comprehensive 3-dimensional coverage with a single non-invasive device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of multiple electrodes with a unified magnetic field system. The magnetic field naturally distributes throughout the tissue volume, inducing electrical currents in all cells simultaneously, thereby simplifying the device while achieving comprehensive 3-dimensional field coverage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic fields are used to stimulate tissues, then non-contact stimulation is achieved, but electric fields with specific lines of force congruent with tissue orientation cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields to induce electrical currents within cells, and by controlling the magnetic field orientation and configuration, the induced electrical currents align with tissue orientation. This substitution allows non-contact stimulation while maintaining proper field alignment with tissue structures.
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 effectively generates and detects complex 3-dimensional electromagnetic fields, allowing for non-invasive application and measurement, which can enhance therapeutic effects and improve understanding of electromagnetic interactions with tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a device to create desired electromagnetic fields and current flows within an item or body without contact with the item or body
Implementation Method 2
detecting electromagnetic fields and signals generated by cells, tissues or organs
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid device for generating or detecting electrical or magnetic fields includes at least two solenoids combined into a solenoid structure. A two level solenoid structure is formed by helically wrapping a long and bendable primary solenoid around a secondary core to create a secondary solenoid which includes the primary solenoid as a part. If the secondary solenoid is bendable and long enough, it can be helically wrapped around a tertiary core to form a tertiary solenoid which contains the primary solenoid and the secondary solenoid as parts. The upper level solenoid will generally contain a hollow core into which items or bodies to be treated with electrical or magnetic fields can be inserted for treatment. Further, items having inherent magnetic or electrical fields or properties can be inserted into the hollow core so the inherent fields can be detected.