Synchronous Magnetic Stimulation for Neural Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for improving neural communication between implanted and existing tissue, such as peripheral nerve reconstruction and bio-artificial nerve guidance conduits, are invasive and time-consuming, leading to limited recovery and ineffective sensory and functional information transfer.

Innovation Solution

The use of low-frequency magnetic or electric stimulation, applied synchronously to both regions of tissue, enhances neural communication by inducing electric fields that promote nerve regeneration and synchronization, potentially using a single or multiple magnetic or electric field sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If peripheral nerve reconstruction or bio-artificial nerve guidance conduits are used to improve neural communication, then neural connectivity between implanted and existing tissue is enhanced, but the procedure becomes highly invasive and time-consuming with long recovery periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural communication effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surgical interventions (nerve reconstruction, conduit implantation) with a magnetic field-based stimulation system. The magnetic stimulation device delivers pulsed magnetic fields to promote neural communication without requiring invasive surgical procedures, thereby substituting a mechanical/surgical system with a non-invasive electromagnetic field system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate neural communication. Instead of directly connecting nerves through surgical procedures, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that stimulates and synchronizes neural activity between implanted and existing tissue, enabling communication without direct mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural communication effectivenessVSAvoidrecovery period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-intensive surgical procedures with a non-invasive magnetic stimulation approach. By using magnetic fields to promote neural communication, the treatment avoids the lengthy recovery periods associated with surgical nerve reconstruction and conduit implantation, significantly reducing the time loss for patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic pulsed magnetic stimulation to promote neural communication. Rather than requiring a single lengthy surgical intervention, the treatment uses repeated magnetic pulses delivered over time to stimulate nerve regeneration and synchronization, achieving the desired effect through periodic non-invasive sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If synchronous magnetic field pulses are administered to both tissue regions, then neural communication and nerve regeneration are improved, but the device complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural communication effectivenessVSAvoidmagnetic field source coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic field generation into a single coordinated system that simultaneously targets both tissue regions. By using a unified magnetic stimulation device capable of delivering synchronized pulses to multiple areas, the system reduces complexity compared to using separate independent stimulation devices for each tissue region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic stimulation device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both tissue regions through a single system. The device can deliver synchronized magnetic pulses to multiple target areas, making it a universal solution that eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This non-invasive approach improves sensory and functional communication between implanted and existing tissue, facilitating nerve regeneration and growth, thereby enhancing neural connectivity without the need for invasive surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic stimulation utilizes a pulsed magnetic field applied to a region near a target area. The magnetic pulses affect neuronal firing in the target area, either directly through active depolarization with a high power magnetic field, or indirectly through entrainment and field effect with a low power magnetic field.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10391329B2Methods for improving neural communication between tissue regions

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 VENITAS RES CENT INC

AI summary

Described are methods for the improvement of neural communication between implanted and existing tissue. Methods herein use synchronous low frequency magnetic or electric stimulation of both regions to enhance communication and facilitate regeneration of nerve fibers across the tissue interface.