Permanent Magnet TMS Device for Depression Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression, often rely on medications with significant side effects, and existing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) methods face challenges in efficiently managing heat generated by high current usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting a magnetic field to influence the intrinsic frequency of a subject's EEG band, using a TMS device to apply a magnetic field close to the head, determined by optimizing EEG data analysis to match a pre-selected frequency, thereby tuning the brain's activity without medication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high current is used to generate low frequency magnetic field pulses in rTMS, then the therapeutic effect on depression and schizophrenia is improved, but significant heat is generated that requires active dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic induction system (electromagnet generating magnetic pulses) with a direct magnetic field generation system using permanent magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for high current electrical systems that generate heat, while maintaining the therapeutic magnetic field effect on brain activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of magnetic field generation from electromagnetic (requiring high current) to permanent magnet-based (no current required). This parameter change transforms the system from one that generates significant heat to one that operates without active cooling requirements
2Reliability
If rTMS is used to treat mental disorders, then negative symptoms of schizophrenia and depression are reduced, but the system becomes complex with active cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic pulse generation system with a simpler permanent magnet system. This substitution removes the need for electromagnetic coils, high current power supplies, and active cooling systems, dramatically simplifying the device architecture while preserving therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic electromagnetic generation components (coils, power supplies, cooling systems) from the rTMS system, retaining only the essential function of generating magnetic fields to influence brain activity. This leaves a simplified system focused on the core therapeutic mechanism
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 approach provides a non-medication, cost-effective, and efficient method to improve mood, focus, and cognition, effectively addressing mental disorders like depression and anxiety by gently tuning brain activity, reducing side effects and heat-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting output of a magnetic field for influencing an intrinsic frequency of a specified EEG band of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of depression. Described are methods and devices to treat depression that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of depression.