Optical Stimulation Probe with Integrated Waveguide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neural probes face challenges in precisely stimulating cranial nerves due to their large size and complex structure, which can damage nerves and hinder localized stimulation, and the application of electrical stimuli is not effective for brain studies.

Innovation Solution

An optical stimulation probe structure with a probe body made of optical transmission materials like glass or polymers, integrated with a light radiator and electrode array, allowing for precise optical stimulation and signal collection without the need for additional waveguides, featuring a simple and small design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a silicon probe body with optical fiber is used for optical stimulation, then optical stimulation can be applied to cranial nerves, but the probe size becomes large and precise control of stimulation site is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical stimulation capabilityVSAvoidprobe size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical waveguide function directly into the probe body by making the probe body itself from optical transmission material (glass or polymer), eliminating the need for separate optical fibers and waveguides. This integration reduces the overall probe size while maintaining optical stimulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural support and the optical waveguide for light transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated optical components, thereby reducing probe size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If electrical stimulus is applied to cranial nerves using electrodes, then stimulation can be delivered, but the cranial nerves may be damaged and localized stimulation is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation delivery capabilityVSAvoidnerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation by transmitting light signals through the optical transmission material probe body to the cranial nerves. This substitution eliminates the harmful electrical effects while maintaining the ability to deliver targeted stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If an optical waveguide is integrated into a neural probe, then optical stimulation becomes possible, but the manufacturing procedure becomes very complicated and the probe structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical stimulation capabilityVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the probe structure by merging the optical waveguide function into the probe body material itself, eliminating the need for separate optical waveguide components and their associated complex manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the optical waveguide function from the probe structure and integrates it directly into the probe body material, thereby removing the complexity of separate waveguide integration and manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Power

If electrical stimulus is applied to stimulate cranial nerves, then stimulation can be delivered, but it is impossible to locally stimulate a desired site due to electrical conduction in the brain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation delivery capabilityVSAvoidlocalization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation, where light signals transmitted through the optical transmission material probe body can be locally focused on specific cranial nerve sites, enabling precise localized stimulation without the spreading conduction problem of electrical signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effective and localized optical stimulation of cranial nerves with reduced probe size and complexity, minimizing nerve damage and allowing for precise signal collection, while maintaining stability and reducing light loss during transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the probe body is made of an optical transmission material capable of transmitting an optical signal, such that the optical signal transmitted from the light radiator is transmitted through the probe body to the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8821560B2Optical stimulus probe structure with optical transmittable probe and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

Disclosed are an optical stimulation probe structure having a probe body inserted into a subject, a fixing body that fixes the probe body and a light radiator that transmits an optical signal to the probe body, wherein the probe body is made of an optical transmission material capable of transmitting an optical signal, such that the optical signal transmitted from the light radiator is transmitted through the probe body to the subject, and a method for manufacturing the same.