Transcranial Stimulation for Memory Reconsolidation Disruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for weakening undesirable memories, such as those associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, require lengthy therapy sessions, pharmaceuticals that only treat symptoms, or behavioral re-conditioning paradigms, and lack a proactive, non-invasive solution for disrupting memory reconsolidation.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing spatiotemporally distributed transcranial stimulation, applied via electrodes, to associate a calm mental state with the recall of undesirable memories, thereby weakening them during the reconsolidation process, without the need for drugs or behavioral therapy, using high-definition transcranial alternating current, direct current, or magnetic stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If behavioral therapy techniques or EMDR are used to treat traumatic memories, then memory reconsolidation can be disrupted, but the treatment requires lengthy therapy sessions with trained therapists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory reconsolidation disruptionVSAvoidtherapy session duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/behavioral therapy system with a transcranial stimulation system. Instead of using behavioral conditioning or EMDR techniques that require therapist intervention and lengthy sessions, the invention applies electrical or magnetic stimulation directly to the brain to disrupt memory reconsolidation, thereby eliminating the need for prolonged therapy sessions while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service treatment by allowing individuals to administer transcranial stimulation to themselves without requiring trained therapists. The system can be self-applied through wearable devices or portable stimulators, eliminating the dependency on professional therapy sessions and enabling on-demand memory reconsolidation disruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If antidepressants are prescribed to PTSD sufferers, then symptoms can be treated, but the medications only treat symptoms and have potential for psychological dependence and addiction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymptom treatmentVSAvoidpsychological dependence and addiction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of antidepressants with a physical transcranial stimulation mechanism. Instead of using medications that treat symptoms and create dependence, the system applies electrical or magnetic fields to directly disrupt memory reconsolidation, providing symptom relief without the harmful side effects of psychological dependence and addiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces transcranial stimulation as an intermediary mechanism between the traumatic memory and the therapeutic effect. Rather than relying on chemical intermediaries (antidepressants) that have dependent side effects, the system uses physical stimulation as a mediator to directly interfere with memory reconsolidation, achieving symptom treatment without harmful dependencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If drugs are used to disrupt memory reconsolidation, then undesirable memories can be weakened, but the approach requires pharmaceutical intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory reconsolidation disruptionVSAvoidpharmaceutical intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the chemical/pharmaceutical approach with a physical stimulation approach. Instead of using drugs to disrupt memory reconsolidation, the system applies transcranial electrical or magnetic stimulation to achieve the same effect, thereby eliminating the need for pharmaceutical intervention and its associated harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If transcranial stimulation is applied to disrupt memory reconsolidation, then undesirable memories can be weakened proactively, but the system requires precise spatiotemporal distribution of stimulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproactive memory weakeningVSAvoidspatiotemporal stimulation distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transcranial stimulation system into multiple discrete electrodes or stimulation sites distributed across the scalp. Each electrode can be independently controlled to provide precise spatiotemporal distribution of stimulation, enabling proactive memory weakening while managing system complexity through modular segmentation of the stimulation field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables proactive and targeted weakening of undesirable memories, reducing their intensity and emotional impact, without the need for prolonged therapy or pharmaceuticals, allowing for self-administered treatment that can be integrated into daily life.

Implementation Method 1

The transcranial stimulation is one of weak high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation, weak high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscranial alternating current stimulation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscranial direct current stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscranial magnetic stimulation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11052252B1Transcranial intervention to weaken an undesirable memory

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 HRL LAB

AI summary

Described is a system for weakening an undesirable memory. The system initiates application of a first pattern of spatiotemporally distributed transcranial stimulation via a set of electrodes to a subject who is in a calm mental state, causing association of the first pattern of spatiotemporally distributed transcranial stimulation with the calm mental state. The system then initiates application of the first pattern of spatiotemporally distributed transcranial stimulation via the set of electrodes when the undesirable memory is recalled by the subject, causing recall of the calm mental state and reconsolidation of the undesirable memory with the calm mental state.