Neuromodulation Probe Spiral Coil Directional Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation devices face challenges in precisely stimulating nerve fibers to avoid side effects like muscle stiffness, as the directional electrodes can affect non-target regions and internal capsules, making it difficult to achieve selective and effective neuromodulation.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation probe with a body and coil sets, where the coils are wound spirally around a second axis parallel to the body's axis, allowing for controlled electric current flow to selectively stimulate nerve fibers, reducing side effects by minimizing interference with adjacent nerve fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If directional electrodes are used to accurately stimulate target nerve fibers, then stimulation precision is improved, but non-target regions and internal capsules may still be affected causing side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating highly localized stimulation fields through microelectrode arrays with specific geometric configurations. The electrodes are arranged to concentrate electrical fields precisely at target nerve fibers while minimizing field spread to adjacent non-target regions, thereby achieving selective stimulation with reduced side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stimulation function into multiple independent microelectrodes that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows precise targeting of specific nerve fibers by activating only the necessary electrodes, avoiding stimulation of non-target regions and reducing unwanted side effects
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation intensity is increased to improve neuromodulation effectiveness, then therapeutic effect is improved, but side effects such as muscle stiffness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables localized high-intensity stimulation at target nerve fibers through precisely positioned microelectrodes, while maintaining low intensity in surrounding regions. This spatial differentiation allows effective neuromodulation at the target site without inducing side effects in adjacent tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of stimulation parameters including intensity, frequency, and electrode selection. The system can adaptively adjust stimulation characteristics in real-time to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while staying below side effect thresholds, creating a dynamic balance between efficacy and safety
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 probe enables precise directional stimulation of nerve fibers, reducing muscle stiffness and improving neuromodulation effectiveness by controlling the intensity, frequency, and direction of the electric current, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one coil has two opposite wire ends for providing an electric current to flow in or out of the at least one coil
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation probe includes a body and at least one coil set. The body has a first axis and a length along the first axis. The at least one coil set includes at least one coil, and the at least one coil is formed by winding spirally a conductive wire plural times about a second axis inside the body or on an outer surface of the body. The second axis is parallel to the first axis. The at least one coil has two opposite wire ends for providing an electric current to flow in or out of the at least one coil.