Implantable Photoelectric Nerve Stimulation for Selective Multi-Point Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nerve stimulation methods, such as electric stimulation, optogenetics, and thermogenetics, face challenges including increased volume due to multiple electrodes and wires, immune responses from gene manipulation, and inconsistent cell stimulation levels.

Innovation Solution

An in vivo implantable nerve stimulation platform using a light source and photoelectric generator that converts light into electricity, allowing selective nerve stimulation without multiple wires or gene manipulation, with adjustable wavelength and intensity control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrodes and wires are integrated to stimulate multiple nerves simultaneously, then the nerve stimulation capability is improved, but the device volume increases and insertion problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve stimulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrodes into a single integrated electrode structure that can stimulate multiple nerves simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the versatility of multi-nerve stimulation while reducing the overall device volume and eliminating the need for multiple separate wires

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated electrode is designed with multi-functional capability to stimulate multiple different nerves through a single structure. The electrode can be configured to contact multiple nerve targets, providing universal stimulation capability without requiring separate specialized electrodes for each nerve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If gene manipulation is performed for optogenetics or thermogenetics, then selective nerve stimulation is achieved, but foreign substance immune response and chronic impact occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective nerve stimulationVSAvoidimmune response

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the gene manipulation step from the nerve stimulation process. Instead of using optogenetics or thermogenetics that require genetic modification, the invention uses direct electrical stimulation through the integrated electrode, thereby removing the source of foreign substance immune response while maintaining selective stimulation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the biological/genetic mechanism (optogenetics or thermogenetics requiring gene manipulation) with a direct electrical mechanical stimulation approach. This substitution eliminates the need for foreign protein introduction and subsequent immune responses while achieving the same nerve stimulation objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If electric stimulation, optogenetics, or thermogenetics is applied, then nerve stimulation is achieved, but consistent control of cell excitement degree is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve stimulation efficiencyVSAvoidcell excitement control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the stimulation parameters. This enables precise control of the cell excitement degree by detecting the actual stimulation effect and adjusting the electrical parameters accordingly, ensuring consistent and controlled nerve stimulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes controlled changes in electrical stimulation parameters (such as voltage, current, pulse duration, and frequency) to precisely regulate the degree of cell excitement. By systematically adjusting these parameters, the invention achieves consistent and controllable nerve stimulation effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 platform enables precise nerve stimulation across multiple points, reduces infection risk, and maintains consistent cell excitement levels, while minimizing chronic impacts and volume.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric generator generating electricity for stimulating a nerve or a tissue by the light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12582834B2In vivo implantable nerve stimulation platform and nerve stimulation method using the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 RES & BUSINESS FOUND SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIV

AI summary

Provided is an in vivo implantable nerve stimulation platform which includes: a light source emitting light having a plurality of wavelength bands; and a photoelectric generator generating electricity for stimulating a nerve or a tissue by the light emitted from the light source, in which the light source and the photoelectric generator are implanted in vivo.