Spinal Cord Magnetic Stimulation for Volitional Bladder and Locomotor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for restoring bladder and bowel function in individuals with spinal cord injuries are invasive, painful, and often ineffective, while existing motor function restoration techniques fail to provide volitional control and are technologically complex.

Innovation Solution

Magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord at specific frequencies and intensities to facilitate voluntary control of bladder and bowel function, combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation to enhance motor function, without the need for invasive implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive epidural spinal cord stimulation is used to restore motor function and bladder/bowel control, then functional restoration is achieved, but invasiveness and surgical risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional restorationVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical/electrical stimulation systems with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic stimulator uses electromagnetic fields to modulate spinal cord activity without requiring surgical implantation of electrodes or mechanical contact with neural tissues, thereby eliminating surgical risks while maintaining functional restoration capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the external stimulator and the spinal cord. Instead of direct electrical contact through implanted electrodes, the magnetic field serves as a non-invasive mediator to induce electrical currents in the spinal cord tissues, enabling functional restoration without surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used to activate motor pathways, then non-invasive stimulation is achieved, but pain and muscle activation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidpain

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical stimulation with magnetic field stimulation. The magnetic stimulator generates time-varying magnetic fields that induce electrical currents in the spinal cord through electromagnetic induction, replacing direct electrical stimulation that causes pain and unwanted muscle activation with a more selective magnetic field approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies magnetic stimulation selectively to specific spinal cord segments corresponding to the injury level. The magnetic field can be targeted to specific anatomical locations, allowing precise modulation of neural activity in the affected region without causing widespread muscle activation or pain in surrounding areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If existing motor function restoration techniques are used, then some motor function is restored, but volitional control and device independence are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor function restorationVSAvoidvolitional control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the spinal cord's intrinsic pattern generators to self-organize and produce coordinated motor patterns without external control systems. By providing appropriate magnetic field stimulation, the system allows the spinal neural networks to autonomously generate locomotor and autonomic functions, restoring volitional control and reducing dependence on complex external devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Achieves volitional control of bladder and bowel function and restores motor function by modulating spinal networks, reducing pain and invasiveness, and allowing for device independence.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic stimulator that applies magnetic fields to the spinal cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12551714B2Magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord to restore locomotor function and/or control of bladder and bowel

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

In various embodiments methods and devices are provided for facilitating locomotor function and/or voiding of bladder and/or bowel in a subject with a neuromotor disorder. In certain embodiments the methods involve providing magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord at a location, frequency and intensity sufficient to facilitate locomotor function and/or voiding of bladder and/or bowel.