Regenerative Interface Electrode Nerve Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current regenerative nerve electrodes are limited in interfacing with smaller nerves, have poor signal-to-noise ratios, and cannot distinguish between sensory and motor neurons, which hinders effective muscle control and sensory information in amputees.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered sandwich electrode design with a narrow groove to accommodate smaller nerves, increasing the number of electrodes or channels, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratios and differentiation between nerve types by measuring conduction velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current regenerative nerve electrode designs are used, then nerves as small as 200 microns in diameter can be accommodated, but only two to three channels can be provided within the small physical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested multilayer electrode configuration where multiple electrode layers are stacked within a single nerve interface. Each layer contains multiple electrodes, and the layers are arranged concentrically to maximize channel density within the limited nerve diameter space. This nesting approach enables 16-32 channels within a 200-micron nerve while maintaining individual electrode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single-layer electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional multilayer stacked configuration. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple layers, the system achieves significantly higher channel capacity (16-32 channels) within the same radial nerve diameter, effectively utilizing the z-axis to increase functional density without expanding the nerve interface footprint.
2Reliability
If current regenerative nerve electrodes are used, then interface with relatively large nerves is possible, but signal-to-noise ratios are poor which inhibits muscle control and limits accurate sensory information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode signals from 16-32 channels within each nerve interface into a unified multielectrode array. By merging signals across multiple layers and electrodes, the system achieves improved signal-to-noise ratios through spatial averaging and differential amplification, while simultaneously providing comprehensive muscle control and sensory information capture.
3Measurement precision
If REMI or other currently available electrode interfaces are used, then peripheral nerves can be interfaced, but the specific type of neuron cannot be distinguished which limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning specific functional roles to different electrode layers and positions within the multilayer array. Certain layers are optimized for recording specific neuron types based on their spatial relationship to nerve fascicles, while others are optimized for stimulation. This localized functional differentiation enables neuron type identification without requiring complex external processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A regenerative interface electrode comprising a multilayer or sandwiched stack of dies that are oriented at their distal ends with at least one layer inset such that it forms a groove into which a nerve may be positioned inside the groove. The die layers include electrodes that connect to the nerve, allowing the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes in the die layers are connected to a PCB, which may communicate with a recording device. The distal end of the sandwiched die layers forming the groove is inserted into a nerve tube, into which the nerve is inserted.