Non-invasive Neural Interface Using Temporal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation technologies lack the ability to selectively sense and stimulate neural activity in specific regions of the brain or peripheral nerves with precision and feedback control, limiting their effectiveness in treating a wide range of nervous system disorders.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electromagnetic wave generators to create envelope-modulated electric and magnetic fields outside the range of neuronal activation frequencies, which are directed to target regions within the body, allowing for controlled neuromodulation and neural sensing through temporal interference phased-array stimulation (TIPS), enabling precise stimulation and simultaneous sensing of neural activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic waves with frequencies outside neuronal activation range are used for neuromodulation, then non-invasive stimulation is achieved, but direct neural activation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic waves as an intermediary carrier that does not directly activate neurons but creates envelope-modulated fields that indirectly stimulate neural tissue. The high-frequency EM waves serve as a mediator to deliver modulated stimulation patterns to target brain regions without direct neural activation, achieving non-invasive neuromodulation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of electromagnetic waves to be outside the neuronal activation range (e.g., radiofrequency ranges), while using amplitude modulation to create envelope frequencies that do activate neurons. This parameter transformation allows the system to avoid direct neural activation from the carrier wave while still achieving therapeutic stimulation through the modulated envelope.
2Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic waves are directed to specific target regions within the body, then spatial precision is improved, but wave intersection control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electromagnetic field generation into multiple independent wave sources or transmission paths, each targeting specific regions. By segmenting the stimulation into multiple controllable wave components, the system can precisely control where waves intersect and create envelope-modulated fields, achieving spatial precision while managing complexity through modular control of individual wave parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls wave intersection patterns by manipulating phase and spatial parameters across multiple dimensions. By adjusting the phase relationships and propagation directions of multiple EM waves, the system creates focused intersection zones at specific target locations without requiring complex mechanical positioning, effectively using dimensional control (phase space, spatial coordinates) to simplify the intersection control problem.
3Reliability
If envelope-modulated fields are created through EM wave intersection, then neural stimulation capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electrical stimulation delivery systems with electromagnetic wave-based envelope modulation. Instead of using direct electrical contacts or mechanical stimulators, the system uses the interference and superposition of EM waves to create the desired stimulation patterns, simplifying the physical interface while maintaining neural stimulation capability through field-based modulation.
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 minimally invasive, feedback-controlled neuromodulation and neural sensing, providing targeted therapies for various nervous system disorders with the ability to selectively stimulate and sense neural activity in small regions, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Intersection of the EM waves in each target region creates envelope-modulated electric and magnetic fields having one or more frequencies that fall within the range of frequencies that activates neurons
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to receive EM waves from the target region wherein the received EM waves are modulated by neural activity signals within the target region
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulator includes an electromagnetic (EM) wave generator configured to generate EM waves remote from a patient and to direct the EM waves to one or more target regions within the patient. Frequencies of the EM waves fall outside a range of frequencies that activates neurons. Intersection of the EM waves in each target region creates envelope-modulated electric and magnetic fields having one or more frequencies that fall within the range of frequencies that activates neurons. The neuromodulator includes control circuitry configured to control parameters of the EM waves produced by the EM wave generator. The neuromodulator may use feedback based on one or more of patient input and/or sensing of physiological signals in order to close the loop and control the EM waves.