Neural Interface System with 3D Electrode Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) devices face limitations in fine electrode positioning, selectivity, and precise stimulation patterning due to their design, which results in significant behavioral and cognitive side effects and limited therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A neural interface system featuring a three-dimensional electrode array with a triangular lattice pattern of electrode sites arranged circumferentially and axially around a carrier, allowing for precise activation patterns and reduced power consumption, along with a carrier that supports the electrode array and facilitates fluidic channels for drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional DBS electrodes with four relatively large electrodes positioned along a single axis are used, then the device structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but fine electrode positioning capability deteriorates and stimulation selectivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-axis linear electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional electrode array configuration. The electrode array includes multiple electrodes positioned in three dimensions around the carrier, enabling fine positioning capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized array structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the conventional single electrode into multiple discrete electrodes arranged in an array configuration. This segmentation allows independent control and positioning of each electrode, achieving fine positioning capability while the modular array structure maintains ease of manufacture.
2Device complexity
If conventional DBS electrodes with all electrode sites positioned along a single axis are used, then device complexity is reduced, but stimulation patterning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional electrode array where electrodes are positioned not only axially but also circumferentially around the carrier. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables precise stimulation patterning by selecting specific electrode combinations, while the systematic array structure keeps device complexity manageable.
3Device complexity
If conventional DBS electrodes are used, then the therapeutic effect is limited by electrode position dependency, but the device structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic stimulation system where the stimulation pattern can be adjusted by selecting different combinations of electrodes within the three-dimensional array. This dynamic configurability allows optimization of therapeutic effect for different patient needs and electrode positions, while the underlying array structure remains relatively simple and systematic.
4Manufacturing precision
If a three-dimensional electrode array with triangular lattice pattern is implemented, then fine electrode positioning and stimulation selectivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a three-dimensional electrode array with triangular lattice pattern arranged circumferentially and axially around a carrier. This geometric configuration achieves fine positioning precision through its structured geometry, while the regular lattice pattern and modular design around a central carrier keep the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
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Figure 3(A)~7(C)
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AI summary
A neural interface system including an electrode array and a carrier that supports the electrode array, in which the electrode array includes a substrate rolled into a three- dimensional shape, a plurality of conductive traces patterned on the substrate and adapted to transmit electrical signals, and a plurality of elliptically shaped, externally facing electrode sites coupled to the plurality of conductive traces that electrically communicate with their surroundings. The plurality of electrodes are arranged in a triangular lattice circumferentially around and axially along the carrier, and the substrate includes an edge that extends axially along the carrier and is constrained between a first axial row portion of the plurality of electrode sites and a second axial row portion of the plurality of electrode sites adjacent to the first axial row portion.