Neural Stimulation Apparatus With Time-Offset Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dysfunctions in central pattern generators lead to severe motor disorders, such as those observed after a stroke or in gait-ignition-disorder disease, where abnormal reductions in rhythmic activity disrupt synchronized neuronal firing, causing motor dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising measurement units, a generator unit, and stimulation units that record neuronal activity and generate electric stimulation signals with time offsets and varying polarities to restore rhythmic activity in neural networks, mimicking healthy central pattern generator function by synchronizing neuronal firing across different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stimulation methods are used, then simple stimulation can be applied, but rhythmic activity and synchronized neuronal firing cannot be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation system is divided into multiple independent stimulation units, each targeting a specific neural network. Each unit can be independently controlled to deliver stimuli with specific time offsets and polarities, enabling complex rhythmic patterns to be constructed from simpler individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation system dynamically adjusts the timing and polarity of stimuli delivered to different neural networks. By varying the time offsets and polarities in real-time, the system adapts to restore synchronized rhythmic activity across multiple neural networks, transforming static stimulation into dynamic coordinated control.
2Reliability
If multiple neural networks are stimulated simultaneously, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but synchronized rhythmic activity cannot be induced
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation units deliver periodic stimuli with specifically designed time offsets and polarities. This periodic action with controlled variations in timing creates the conditions for synchronized rhythmic activity across multiple neural networks, transforming simultaneous stimulation into coordinated rhythmic stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates measurement units that monitor the activity of stimulated neural networks and feed this information back to the stimulation control. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the timing and polarity of subsequent stimuli to optimize and maintain synchronized rhythmic activity across the neural networks.
3Reliability
If stimulation signals are applied without time offsets, then simple control can be maintained, but time-shifted rhythmic activity cannot be induced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and pre-configures the optimal time offsets and polarities for stimulation signals before delivery. By determining the appropriate timing parameters in advance based on the specific neural networks being targeted, the system simplifies the control process while still achieving the complex time-shifted rhythmic activity needed for synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) is described which comprises at least one measuring unit (31-34) for recording test signals from neurons, a generator unit (10) for generating electrical stimulation signals in accordance with the test signals, and a plurality of stimulation units (11-14) that are connected to the generator unit (10). The stimulation units (11-14) stimulate a plurality of neural networks in a deferred manner by means of the stimulation signals and thus induce a deferred activity in the stimulated neural networks.