Neural Probe Electrode Heat Dissipation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Neural probes face challenges in heat dissipation, leading to potential nerve or cell deformation or destruction due to excessive heating, and there is a need to minimize heat generation while maintaining efficient stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The electrode structure includes a heat dissipation layer exposed to the outside, which disperses generated heat to prevent nerve or cell deformation, and through holes in the insulation layer to expose electrodes, allowing for accurate measurement and stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical stimulation is applied to a nerve or cell using the neural probe, then stimulation efficiency is improved, but heat is generated locally causing potential nerve or cell deformation or destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the traditional neural probe structure by adding a separate heat dissipation layer. This layer is specifically designed to conduct away the heat generated during electrical stimulation, allowing the stimulation function to be maintained while the harmful heat effect is removed through thermal conduction to surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation layer acts as an intermediary between the electrode and the surrounding neural tissue. It mediates the thermal interaction by conducting heat away from the electrode interface, preventing direct thermal damage to nerves or cells while allowing the electrical stimulation to proceed effectively.
2Device complexity
If a single neural probe is used for both bio-signal measurement and stimulation delivery, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to specify location when measurement and stimulation locations are the same
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probe body into multiple functional regions with different electrode configurations. By dividing the probe into distinct measurement zones and stimulation zones along its length, it enables simultaneous operation for both bio-signal measurement and electrical stimulation at different locations, maintaining functional integration while avoiding location confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the probe are designed with different electrode characteristics - some regions have electrodes optimized for measurement with smaller sizes and different impedance, while other regions have electrodes optimized for stimulation with larger sizes and different impedance. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function effectively.
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 heat dissipation layer effectively manages heat, preventing nerve or cell damage, while the through holes enhance measurement and stimulation accuracy, enabling real-time bio-signal measurement and stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation layer exposed to the outside, and disperses generated heat through the heat dissipation layer to prevent the deformation of a nerve or cell attributable to excessive heating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides the electrode structure of a neural probe including electrodes for bio-signal measurement and stimulation. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an electrode structure for a neural probe that measures bio-logical signals or applies stimulation, the electrode structure including: a substrate; electrodes formed on at least one surface of the substrate; and a wiring formed on the substrate and connected to the electrodes; wherein the electrodes include one or more measurement electrodes connected to a measurement circuit and one or more stimulation electrodes connected to a stimulation circuit.