TMS Coil Proximity Sensor Array for Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning and maintaining a TMS coil during Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatments lack accuracy and feedback, leading to potential misalignment and inconsistent magnetic field intensity, which can affect treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A TMS system with a sensor array between the coil and the treatment position that detects proximity and contact, using various sensor technologies such as membrane switches, variable resistance sensors, fluid displacement sensors, optical fibers, and others to provide real-time feedback on coil positioning and contact status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used for coil placement, then the operator can perform repeated and accurate coil placement in a time-efficient and inexpensive manner, but the methods do not provide a convenient means for repeated and accurate placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor array that provides real-time feedback to the operator about coil contact status with the patient's head. The system monitors contact at multiple locations simultaneously and provides immediate visual and audible feedback, enabling the operator to adjust coil placement to achieve optimal contact without requiring expensive imaging equipment or complex computational systems.
2Reliability
If visual observation is used to monitor coil contact, then the clinician can observe contact status, but the observations may not be reliably made continuously throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array system performs self-monitoring of coil contact status without requiring continuous operator attention. The system automatically detects contact at multiple locations and provides continuous feedback, freeing the operator to perform other tasks while ensuring reliable monitoring throughout the procedure.
3Device complexity
If no feedback system is provided, then the system remains simple, but the operator has no means of feedback as to whether the coil has moved away from the scalp during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system using sensors that continuously monitor coil contact status and provide real-time information to the operator. The system detects when the coil moves away from the scalp and provides immediate feedback, allowing the operator to correct positioning without compromising treatment efficacy.
4Productivity
If the coil is not properly positioned, then the treatment may proceed, but an inappropriately high power setting may be used or an inappropriately low magnetic field may be applied resulting in reduced efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of coil contact status before treatment begins and continuously monitors during treatment. The sensor array ensures proper positioning is achieved and maintained before delivering therapeutic pulses, preventing both under-treatment and over-treatment scenarios.
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
Ensures consistent and accurate coil positioning throughout the treatment, preventing inappropriate power settings and ensuring optimal magnetic field application, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
variable resistance sensors
Implementation Method 2
capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 3
optical fibers
Implementation Method 4
optical sensors
Implementation Method 5
acoustic sensors
Implementation Method 6
vibration sensors
Implementation Method 7
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor for a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) system detects the proximity of a TMS coil assembly to a position at which the coil is to receive pulses during TMS treatment and provides feedback to the operator so that the operator may adjust the TMS coil assembly as necessary to maintain optimal positioning during treatment. A flexible substrate containing a sensor or sensor array is disposed between the TMS coil assembly and the position such that the coupling of the TMS coil assembly to the position may be detected by the sensor(s). Sensor outputs are processed by signal processing circuitry to provide an indication of whether the TMS coil assembly is properly disposed with respect to the position during TMS treatment. A display may be used to provide an indication of how to adjust the TMS coil assembly to improve the positioning of the TMS coil assembly. On the other hand, a sound generator may be used to generate a sound that indicates to an operator whether the TMS coil assembly is properly positioned at the position. Many different types of sensor devices may be used to detect proximity, including membrane switches, variable resistance sensors, resistive strips, touch screens, pickup loops, fluid displacement sensors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, inductive coupling sensors, capacitive coupling sensors, temperature sensors, and the like.