Rotatable Electrode Assembly for Neural Pathway Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioelectrical systems that apply electrical waveforms to the human nervous system are limited in their application and effectiveness, particularly in targeting specific neural pathways like the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, including those related to the pancreas, which are crucial for glucose homeostasis and insulin production.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectrical apparatus comprising an integrated circuit generating physiologically compatible electromagnetic waveforms, a conformal battery, and electrode assemblies with rotatable housings for precise application of positive and negative waveforms to the vagus and celiac schema of the sympathetic nervous system, enabling innervation of neural pathways associated with the pancreas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical waveforms are applied to the human nervous system using conventional bioelectrical systems, then some level of neural stimulation is achieved, but the ability to target specific neural pathways (parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, including pancreatic pathways) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using separate positive and negative electrode assemblies with specific geometric configurations and contact arrangements. Each electrode assembly is designed to target specific neural pathways (parasympathetic vs sympathetic) with localized electrical fields, enabling precise differentiation between adjacent neural structures while maintaining adaptability to various application sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical stimulation system into distinct positive and negative electrode assemblies, each capable of independent positioning and orientation. This segmentation allows the device to selectively stimulate different neural pathways by activating specific electrode combinations, thereby improving both targeting precision and versatility across multiple neural systems including pancreatic innervation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrode assemblies are used for neural stimulation, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to different anatomical areas and neural pathways is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electrode assemblies movable and repositionable relative to each other and to the patient's anatomy. The positive and negative electrode assemblies can be independently positioned and oriented to accommodate different anatomical areas and target specific neural pathways, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each application site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional flexibility by allowing the electrode assemblies to be positioned in multiple spatial orientations and at varying distances from the target neural pathways. This multi-dimensional positioning capability enables the same basic electrode structure to effectively reach different anatomical areas and neural pathways by adjusting position, orientation, and spacing rather than requiring structurally different assemblies.
3Reliability
If electrical waveforms are applied without precise control, then device operation is simple, but the ability to innervate specific neural pathways associated with glucose homeostasis and insulin production is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the electrical waveform application and adjust parameters to optimize neural pathway stimulation. This feedback control ensures that the correct neural pathways (including pancreatic innervation) are being stimulated to achieve the desired physiological response for glucose homeostasis, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable ease of operation through automated adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying electrical waveform characteristics (amplitude, frequency, pulse duration, polarity) to selectively activate different neural pathways. By precisely controlling these electrical parameters, the device can reliably target specific autonomic pathways involved in pancreatic function and glucose regulation, achieving therapeutic effectiveness without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
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 apparatus effectively applies electro-neurologic waveforms to specific anatomical areas, enhancing neural stimulation and potentially improving glucose homeostasis and insulin production by targeting key neural pathways.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated circuit (IC) producing a sequence of physiologically compatible and acceptable electromagnetic waveforms
Implementation Method 2
a positive electrode pad in electrical communication with said positive output of said waveforms
Data Source
AI summary
A apparatus for the electro-physiologic stimulation of the human nervous system includes an electrical assembly having an integrated circuit (IC) producing a sequence of physiologically compatible electromagnetic waveforms, the IC having ungrounded positive and negative outputs of the waveforms, a battery in electrical communication with the IC board, a positive electrode pad in electrical communication with positive outputs of the waveforms, a lower housing in which the IC battery and positive electrode pad are secured, and an upper housing in press-swivel contact with an outer periphery of the lower housing in which 360 degrees of rotation of the upper housing relative to the lower housing is enabled. Also included is a flexible housing for an electrical cable in electrical communication with an opposite end of the cable, carrying the negative sides of the waveforms, and a negative electrode pad in electrical communication with the conductive plate.