Portable rTMS Pulse Generator with Segmented Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) systems are large, heavy, complex, and costly, limiting their availability in disadvantaged areas and making it difficult for patients to receive frequent treatments, especially outside of clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact, battery-powered rTMS system with a miniaturized inductive head coil capable of generating therapeutic magnetic field pulses, designed for ease of use and accessibility, including a rechargeable battery and a scalable driving circuit to support multiple daily treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rTMS systems are used, then therapeutic efficacy is achieved, but device size and weight become large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional rTMS system is divided into two separate components: a compact portable pulse generator that can be freely moved and positioned, and a stationary power supply unit that remains fixed. This segmentation allows the pulse generator to be lightweight and portable while the power supply handles the heavy-duty power requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between portability and therapeutic efficacy.
2Reliability
If conventional rTMS systems are used, then therapeutic treatment is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex power supply and control systems are extracted from the portable pulse generator and placed in a separate stationary unit. This extraction removes the sources of complexity from the handheld device, leaving only the essential pulse generation and magnetic field delivery components in the portable unit, thus maintaining therapeutic capability while reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional rTMS systems are used, then magnetic field pulses are generated, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a low-cost portable pulse generator and a stationary power supply, the expensive components are confined to a single fixed location while the portable unit uses simpler, more affordable components. This segmentation enables broader accessibility and reduces the barrier to entry for rTMS therapy.
4Productivity
If frequent treatments are required, then therapeutic benefit increases, but patient accessibility decreases due to system portability limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The portable pulse generator can be easily transported to and from treatment locations, enabling patients to receive frequent treatments at home or in outpatient settings rather than being confined to large fixed facilities. This portability dramatically improves patient accessibility and allows for more frequent treatment sessions.
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 system provides a lightweight, affordable, and portable solution for rTMS, enabling multiple daily treatments and expanding access to rTMS therapy, with a compact design that maintains therapeutic efficacy comparable to larger systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generation device (e.g., inductive coil, etc.) that may be coupled to the energy storage device and configured to repeatedly generate one or more magnetic field pulses
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field generation device may include an inductive coil having a conductive wire, the conductive wire is configured to be wound
Implementation Method 3
The generated magnetic field pulses may be configured to cause generation of an electric field having a predetermined strength, thereby generating a desired therapeutic effect in a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A portable therapeutic device and a method. The device includes an energy storage device coupled to a power supply. The energy storage device operates during a predetermined number of charge-discharge cycles. During a charge portion of each charge-discharge cycle, the energy storage device receives and stores energy from the power supply. During a discharge portion of each charge-discharge cycle, the energy storage device discharges stored energy. The device also includes a magnetic field generation device coupled to the energy storage device to repeatedly generate one or more magnetic field pulses during a predetermined period of time during the discharge portion of each charge-discharge cycle of the energy storage device. Each magnetic field pulse has a predetermined magnetic field strength. The generated magnetic field pulses cause generation of an electric field having a predetermined strength, thereby generating a desired therapeutic effect in a subject.