Piezo Micro Manipulator for Nanometer Brain Electrode Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro manipulators for brain signal measurement face challenges in accurately positioning electrodes due to limited distance resolution, making it difficult to precisely approach cranial nerve cells.
Innovation Solution
A micro manipulator utilizing piezo-electric clamp bodies and a drive piezo-electric body to expand and contract, allowing for precise movement of the electrode by applying and cutting off electric power, enhancing the distance resolution through mechanical deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional screw-driven mechanism is used to move the electrode, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the distance resolution is limited and the electrode cannot be accurately positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional screw-driven mechanical system with a piezoelectric-driven system. The piezoelectric actuator converts electrical signals directly into precise mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for screw threads and manual rotation. This substitution enables distance resolution at the nanometer level while maintaining structural simplicity through direct drive architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving parameter from rotational motion (screw rotation angle) to electrical parameter (voltage applied to piezoelectric material). By applying precise voltage control to the piezoelectric actuator, the system achieves superior distance resolution and positioning accuracy, as piezoelectric materials can produce controlled displacements in the nanometer range in response to electrical signals.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pitch of screw threads is adjusted to improve positioning precision, then the manufacturing complexity increases and the electrode movement becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the screw thread mechanism entirely and replaces it with a piezoelectric actuator. This substitution removes the dependency on precise screw pitch manufacturing and thread engagement reliability. The piezoelectric system provides direct, reliable motion transmission without mechanical wear or backslash issues inherent in screw-driven systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a piezoelectric actuator as an intermediary between the control system and the electrode holder. This intermediary converts electrical commands into precise linear displacement, providing reliable and repeatable electrode movement without the mechanical complexity and reliability issues of screw threads. The piezoelectric material acts as a mediator that translates electrical signals into controlled mechanical motion.
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 significantly improves the distance resolution, enabling the electrode to be accurately positioned near brain neurons, achieving precise movement with a distance resolution of several tens to hundreds of nanometers.
Implementation Method 1
first and second piezo-electric clamp bodies installed perpendicular to the movement direction of the electrode between the inner opposite sides in the hollow hole of the guide member such that upon the supply of electric power, the clamp bodies expand in such a way that the respective both ends thereof bring in close contact with and are fixed to the inner sides of the hollow hole, and upon the cut off of electric power, the clamp bodies contract in such a way that the respective both ends thereof are separated from the inner sides of the hollow hole
Implementation Method 2
a drive piezo-electric body whose both ends are connected to the opposite faces, respectively, of the first and second clamp piezo-electric bodies to selectively expand or contract in parallel with the movement direction of the electrode depending upon whether of the application of electric power thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A micro manipulator for electrode movement, a driving method thereof, and a brain signal measuring device using the same are provided. The micro manipulator has a guide member having a rectangular hollow hole therein, first and second piezo-electric clamp bodies installed perpendicular to the movement direction of the electrode between the inner opposite sides in the hollow hole of the guide member such that respective both ends thereof are selectively fixed to or separated from the inner sides of the hollow hole depending upon whether of the application of electric power thereto, a drive piezo-electric body whose both ends are connected to the opposite faces, respectively, of the first and second clamp piezo-electric bodies to selectively expand or contract in parallel with the movement direction of the electrode depending upon whether of the application of electric power thereto, and an electrode holder holding therein the electrode and installed on the first or second clamp piezo-electric body in parallel with the expansion or contraction direction of the drive piezo-electric body.