Multiplexed Brain Electrode Array for Scalable Sensing and Stimulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current EEG electrode systems face challenges in scalability, mobility, and safety due to the need for multiple wires and contacts, which limits their ability to efficiently sense and stimulate brain activity while being susceptible to external noise and requiring separate equipment for sensing and stimulation.

Innovation Solution

The development of an EEG electrode system with a modular, scalable design featuring intelligent multiplexers and demultiplexers that aggregate signals from multiple contact points, reducing wire count, and incorporating embedded ground planes to minimize noise, along with the ability to adjust physical resolution and perform simultaneous sensing and stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate electrodes and wires are used for sensing and stimulation, then sensing and stimulation capabilities are achieved, but device complexity and susceptibility to external noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing and stimulation capabilityVSAvoidwire count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate electrodes and wires into a single integrated electrode array that can perform both sensing and stimulation functions. The array consolidates multiple contacts and their associated wires into one unified device, reducing the overall wire count and device complexity while maintaining full sensing and stimulation capabilities through intelligent multiplexer circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array is designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same array to perform both sensing and stimulation operations. The intelligent multiplexer enables the system to route signals for both sensing and stimulation through the same physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated electrodes and wires for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate electrodes are used for sensing and stimulation, then sensing and stimulation capabilities are achieved, but risk to the patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing and stimulation capabilityVSAvoidpatient safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate electrodes and wires into a single integrated electrode array that can perform both sensing and stimulation functions. The array consolidates multiple contacts and their associated wires into one unified device, reducing the overall wire count and device complexity while maintaining full sensing and stimulation capabilities through intelligent multiplexer circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If traditional electrode arrays are used, then sensing capability is achieved, but susceptibility to external electromagnetic noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate electrodes and wires into a single integrated electrode array that can perform both sensing and stimulation functions. The array consolidates multiple contacts and their associated wires into one unified device, reducing the overall wire count and device complexity while maintaining full sensing and stimulation capabilities through intelligent multiplexer circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11969250B2Scalable multi-resolution electrode array for sensing and stimulating the brain

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

This specification discloses a brain electrode device. The brain electrode device includes a set of contact points and a set of sub-circuits. The sub-circuits include sensor ports configured to connect to the contact to the respective ones of the contact points. The device can further include an intelligent multiplexer that aggregates signals from the set of sub-circuits and generates an aggregate signal. The aggregate signal is transmitted to a signal acquisition device.