Transformer-Coupled Neural Waveforms for DC Noise Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency alternating current waveforms used for neural stimulation can be contaminated with unintentional DC signals, leading to nerve damage due to prolonged or repeated application, and existing methods like additional capacitance or shunting resistance are not feasible for higher frequency waveforms like KHFAC.
Innovation Solution
A system using a signal transformer with a primary and secondary coil, coupled with a capacitor, to remove noise from the electric waveform before it reaches the nerve, ensuring the waveform is not contaminated with DC signals, and allowing for selective filtering and energy transfer to individual electrodes tuned to specific resonance frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional capacitance or shunting resistance is applied to mitigate DC signals, then unintentional DC signal components are reduced, but these approaches are not feasible for higher frequency waveforms like KHFAC because capacitors do not have sufficient time to discharge DC imbalance between stimulation pluses
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitor is introduced as an intermediary element connected between the electrode and the return lead, serving as a DC blocking component that allows AC signal transmission while preventing DC accumulation. This intermediary capacitor specifically addresses the DC contamination issue without interfering with the high-frequency KHFAC waveform transmission, resolving the contradiction between DC mitigation and high-frequency applicability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the circuit by introducing a capacitor with specific capacitance value optimized for KHFAC frequencies. This parameter change enables the circuit to block DC signals while maintaining proper impedance matching and signal transmission for high-frequency waveforms, making DC mitigation feasible for KHFAC applications
2Reliability
If DC signals are applied to block nerve conduction, then temporary nerve block is achieved, but prolonged or repeated application of DC signals can damage nerve tissue by causing lasting reduction in nerve conductivity and pH changes at the electrode/electrolyte interface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic alternating current waveforms (KHFAC) instead of continuous DC signals. The high-frequency alternating nature of the waveform provides temporary nerve block through periodic depolarization and hyperpolarization cycles, preventing the cumulative electrochemical damage associated with prolonged DC application while maintaining effective nerve conduction block
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful DC offset that contaminates KHFAC waveforms into a beneficial filtering opportunity. By adding a capacitor to block DC components, the harmful DC contamination is eliminated, allowing safe and effective use of KHFAC for temporary nerve block without the risk of DC-induced nerve damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes with different material characteristics are used, then selective stimulation is achieved, but unintentional DC voltage potentials develop between the electrode contacts, reducing the signal to noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitor is introduced as a DC blocking intermediary in the circuit path, preventing DC voltage potentials from developing between electrode contacts with different material characteristics. This intermediary blocks the harmful DC offset while allowing the AC stimulation signal to pass, thereby maintaining selective stimulation capability without the degradation of signal-to-noise ratio caused by DC contamination
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
This solution effectively prevents nerve damage by eliminating DC noise from the electric waveform, allowing for precise neural stimulation and sensing while minimizing power consumption and equipment saturation.
Implementation Method 1
a signal transformer device comprising a first coil and a second coil. The first coil can be coupled to the signal generator to receive the waveform and remove the unintended noise from the electric waveform
Implementation Method 2
The second coil can be coupled to a capacitor that can prevent the waveform from developing noise at an electrode/electrolyte interface between an electrode and a nerve
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can prevent unintended signal components (noise) in an electric waveform that can be used for at least one of neural stimulation, block, and/or sensing. The system can include a signal generator to generate a waveform that includes an intended electric waveform and unintended noise. The system can also include a signal transformer device (e.g., a very long wire) comprising a first coil and a second coil. The first coil can be coupled to the signal generator to receive the waveform and remove the unintended noise from the electric waveform. The second coil can pass the electric waveform to an electrode. The second coil can be coupled to a capacitor that can prevent the waveform from developing noise at an electrode/electrolyte interface between an electrode and a nerve.