Neural Resonator Circuit for Noninvasive Nerve Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for targeting and treating nerves lack the ability to noninvasively and precisely stimulate neurons using electromagnetic induction, especially for applications like pain relief and viral infections, as they do not effectively utilize the principles of alternating current in capacitance and inductance series resonance circuits.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a capacitance-inductance series resonance circuit to electrically stimulate nerves by treating the neuron as a thin conductor between capacitor plates, allowing for external control of current amplitude and frequency tuning to resonate with the nerve, utilizing principles of RLC circuits and dielectric materials to increase capacitance and induce currents in nerve fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to stimulate nerves, then the treatment can be applied, but the ability to noninvasively and precisely stimulate neurons using electromagnetic induction is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electromagnetic resonance principles analogous to mechanical vibration, where the RLC circuit is tuned to resonate at a specific frequency to selectively stimulate nerve fibers. The alternating current in the capacitor-inductor series resonance circuit creates an oscillating electromagnetic field that resonates with the nerve's natural frequency, enabling precise noninvasive stimulation without complex surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by varying the frequency and amplitude of the alternating current in the RLC circuit to match the natural resonant frequency of target nerves. By adjusting these parameters, the system can selectively stimulate different nerve fibers at different depths and locations, achieving precise control over which neurons are activated without increasing device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the capacitance between electrodes and nerve is increased using dielectric material, then the current induction is improved, but the voltage increases which may cause harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternating current at resonant frequency rather than continuous DC voltage. The capacitor-inductor series resonance circuit generates oscillating current that periodically charges and discharges, inducing current in the nerve through electromagnetic induction. This periodic action allows efficient energy transfer at lower peak voltages compared to continuous high-voltage application, reducing harmful effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct electrical contact (mechanical/electrical connection) with electromagnetic induction through the dielectric. Instead of placing electrodes directly on or near the nerve, the patent uses an alternating current in a capacitor-inductor circuit to create an oscillating electromagnetic field that induces current in the nerve noninvasively, substituting direct electrical stimulation with field-based induction to reduce voltage-related hazards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thin conductor is placed between capacitor plates in series with an inductor, then the circuit can be tuned to resonate, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universal RLC resonance circuit principle to multiple nerve stimulation scenarios. The same capacitor-inductor-resistor configuration can be tuned to different frequencies to target various nerve fibers at different locations and depths. This multi-functional approach allows a single circuit design to address diverse therapeutic needs (pain relief, viral infections, neurological conditions) without requiring separate specialized systems for each application.
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
Enables precise and noninvasive stimulation of neurons, allowing for targeted treatment of infected nerves and pain relief by tuning the system to resonate with the nerve's natural frequency, with the ability to externally control current amplitude and indicate conductivity changes, effectively treating conditions like genital herpes and other nervous system infections.
Implementation Method 1
This system is capable of doing this by using the principles of the alternating current in a capacitance inductance series resonance circuit
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric material between the plates, of the parallel plate capacitor, decreases the potential. This phenomenon is because a charge builds up on the surface of the dielectric
Implementation Method 3
The nerve axon is conductive due to fact that it contains an electrolyte and once it is exposed to changing electromagnetic field it experiences electrolysis
Implementation Method 4
When the reactance of the inductor is equal to the reactance of the capacitors in the circuit the circuit will resonate at a natural frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A procedure electrically stimulates a nerve or group of nerves. Unlike conventional systems this procedure is tuned to target a large or small group of neurons using noninvasive electromagnetic induction. This system is capable of doing this by using the principles of the alternating current in a capacitance inductance series resonance circuit. In this system the nerve resonator treats the neuron like a thin conductor placed between the plates of a capacitor in series with an inductor and then tuned to resonate with the appropriate frequency of alternating current. The system could also be inductance tuned for a given frequency. Once the system is tuned, the current amplitude in the entire circuit including the thin conductor or nerve fiber can be externally controlled.