Controllable Pulse Parameter TMS System for Rectangular Electric Field Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) systems are limited in their ability to control pulse parameters such as pulse width, shape, and bidirectionality, leading to inefficiencies in power usage and therapeutic effectiveness, particularly in repetitive TMS applications.
Innovation Solution
A controllable pulse parameter TMS system that uses a combination of electrical energy storage devices and switching means to generate adjustable rectangular electric field pulses with variable bidirectionality, allowing for independent control of pulse width, amplitude, and frequency, enhancing therapeutic interventions and research capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing TMS systems use damped cosine electric field pulse shapes with discrete pulse width choices, then the system structure is simple, but the control precision over pulse parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse parameters (pulse width, amplitude, bidirectionality) in real-time through electronic control of the RC circuit components, transitioning from fixed discrete values to continuously variable parameters. The controller modifies resistance and capacitance values dynamically to achieve precise control over the induced electric field pulse characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the TMS system by using an RC circuit to generate exponentially decaying voltage pulses instead of traditional damped cosine pulses. This parameter change enables continuous adjustment of pulse width and shape by varying resistance and capacitance values, thereby improving control precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
2Use of energy by moving object
If monophasic magnetic field pulse shapes are used in existing TMS systems, then the system structure is simple, but the power efficiency is very low in rTMS applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic biphasic voltage pulses with alternating positive and negative phases, where the second phase returns energy to the circuit. This periodic action with energy recovery significantly improves power efficiency in repetitive TMS applications by reducing net energy consumption per pulse cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The RC circuit configuration allows the system to discard the harmful residual energy from the first pulse phase and recover it during the second phase. The capacitor stores energy during the first phase and releases it during the second phase, effectively recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted, thereby improving overall power efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing TMS systems use limited discrete pulse width choices, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different therapeutic needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static discrete pulse width selections to dynamic continuous adjustment of pulse width by electronically varying the RC time constant. The controller can adjust resistance and capacitance values in real-time to match different therapeutic requirements, providing adaptability without complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The RC circuit-based pulse generator serves multiple functions: it controls pulse width, amplitude, bidirectionality, and pulse shape through a single integrated circuit configuration. This multi-functionality provides therapeutic adaptability across different applications without requiring separate specialized circuits for each parameter adjustment.
4Productivity
If existing TMS systems use fixed pulse parameter sets, then the system complexity is low, but the productivity in treating different conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically optimizes pulse parameters for each therapeutic condition by allowing real-time adjustment of pulse width, amplitude, and bidirectionality. The controller adapts the RC circuit parameters based on the specific therapeutic goal, improving therapeutic effectiveness without requiring multiple fixed-parameter devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables systematic parameter changes across multiple dimensions (pulse width, amplitude, bidirectionality, pulse shape) through a unified RC circuit control mechanism. This allows the system to optimize treatment protocols for different neurological and psychiatric conditions, enhancing productivity and therapeutic outcomes.
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 system achieves improved power efficiency, allows for high-frequency repetitive TMS, and enables more precise control over neuronal stimulation, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic outcomes by adjusting pulse parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed current sent through a coil produces a magnetic field that induces an electric field in the brain
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for providing controllable pulse parameter magnetic stimulation are described. One aspect is directed to a magnetic stimulation system for inducing approximately rectangular electric field pulses in a body organ, comprising an electrical energy storage device, a stimulating coil, and a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ.