Optical Stimulation Device with Detachable Supports and Grating Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical neural stimulation devices face issues with compactness due to bulky optical fibers, undesired heating from optical sources, and lack of reusability, limiting their effectiveness and practicality for in-vivo and in-vitro applications.
Innovation Solution
A neuro-stimulation device design featuring a probe with optically connected grating couplers and detachable supports, eliminating the need for optical fibers and allowing for the reuse of optical sources, while using LEDs and printed circuit boards for compact and efficient light alignment and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical fibers are attached to the probe to couple light, then optical stimulation can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical fiber component from the system by integrating the optical source directly onto the probe. The optical source is mounted on the probe housing, removing the need for separate optical fibers and their associated connectors, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining optical stimulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical source with the probe structure by mounting the LED or laser diode directly on the probe housing. This integration combines what were previously separate components (optical source and probe) into a single compact unit, eliminating the need for external optical fiber connections.
2Ease of operation
If optical sources are positioned on the probes, then optical stimulation is achieved, but undesired heating is generated causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal management system between the optical source and the biological tissue. This includes heat sinks, thermal conductive materials, and active cooling mechanisms that intercept and dissipate heat before it can reach and damage the tissue, allowing the optical source to be positioned on the probe without causing thermal injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the optical source into a manageable parameter by implementing thermal management systems. The heat is directed away from the tissue through thermal conductive pathways and dissipated through heat sinks or active cooling, transforming a harmful effect into a controlled and beneficial aspect of the device operation.
3Ease of operation
If current optical probes are used, then optical stimulation is achieved, but the probes cannot be reused and must be disposed after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probe into reusable and disposable components. The probe housing containing the optical source, electronics, and control mechanisms is designed as a reusable component that can be sterilized and reused across multiple procedures, while only the tip or specific single-use elements are disposed of, significantly extending the operational duration and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a strategy where the majority of the probe components are recovered and reused. The optical source, electronics, and housing are designed to be recovered after each use, sterilized, and reused for subsequent procedures, while only minimal single-use components are discarded, thereby extending the lifespan and reusability of the probe.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fibers are connected to the probe to stimulate nervous tissue with light of multiple wavelengths, then stimulation versatility is improved, but the device becomes more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical sources of different wavelengths onto a single probe housing. Multiple LEDs or laser diodes emitting at different wavelengths are integrated into the same probe structure, allowing multi-wavelength stimulation without requiring separate optical fiber bundles, thereby maintaining compactness while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the probe with universal functionality to handle multiple wavelengths and stimulation modes within a single device. The probe housing and optical source mounting structure are designed to accommodate multiple optical sources of different types and wavelengths, allowing one probe to perform multiple stimulation functions that would traditionally require multiple separate probes or fiber bundles.
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 solution results in a compact, reusable, and efficient device that effectively stimulates biological cells with reduced tissue damage, enabling both in-vivo and in-vitro applications without the need for bulky connectors or optical fibers, and allows for precise light alignment and heat isolation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one grating coupler (121) for coupling light into the probe (103)
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical source (107) for providing an optical stimulation signal
Data Source
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AI summary
In an aspect of the invention, a stimulation device is presented, the device comprising: a probe attached to a first support, the probe comprising at least one grating coupler for coupling light into the probe; and at least one optical source for providing an optical stimulation signal mounted on a second support; and at least one means for detachably attaching the first support to the second support; and wherein the position of the at least one optical source is aligned with the position of the at least one grating coupler to allow light emitted from the at least one optical source to be received by the at least one grating coupler.