Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation System with Time-Delayed Electric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation systems, both implantable and transcutaneous, face challenges in effectively disrupting undesired neural activity, particularly in managing pain, due to limitations in synchronizing action potential propagation along patient tissue.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous electrical stimulation system with multiple electrode sets, where one electrode set generates an electric field time-delayed from another, coordinated by a processor to adjust parameters like amplitude, frequency, and impedance based on detected shifts in theta band activity, to desynchronize neural activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrode set is used for transcutaneous electrical stimulation, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to desynchronize neural activity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stimulation function into multiple electrode sets (first electrode set and second electrode set) that can be independently controlled. Each electrode set generates separate effective electric fields that are time-delayed relative to each other, enabling desynchronization of neural activity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical stimulation signals are delivered without time delay, then the device complexity is low, but the theta band activity frequency shift detection and response capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors theta band activity frequency shifts and dynamically adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters. The time delay between electrode sets is automatically modified in response to detected frequency shifts, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing neural activity patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static stimulation parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters. The processor continuously modifies the time delay between electrode sets and other stimulation parameters based on real-time detection of theta band activity frequency shifts, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing pain states and neural activity patterns
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 effectively reduces or eliminates patient pain by desynchronizing neural activity through coordinated electrical stimulation, providing a non-invasive therapy option that can be adjusted dynamically in response to pain indicators.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode set is configured and arranged to communicate with the processor and to generate a first effective electric field suitable for transcutaneous stimulation of patient tissue at the first stimulation location using the electrical stimulation signals provided from the transcutaneous control module
Data Source
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AI summary
A transcutaneous electrical-stimulation system includes a transcutaneous control module including a processor. The transcutaneous control module provides electrical- stimulation signals to electrode sets electrically-coupled to the transcutaneous control module. A first electrode set is electrically-coupled to the transcutaneous control module and is placed along patient skin over a first stimulation location. The first electrode set generates a first effective electric field suitable for transcutaneous stimulation of patient tissue at the first stimulation location. A second electrode set is electrically-coupled to the transcutaneous control module and is placed along patient skin over a second stimulation location. The second electrode set generates a second effective electric field suitable for stimulating patient tissue at the second stimulation location. The second effective electric field is time-delayed from the first effective electric field such that the second effective electric field is out of phase with the first effective electric field.