TRPMS Magnetic Assemblies for Subcortical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Transcranial Rotating Permanent Magnetic Stimulation (TRPMS) systems are limited in their ability to provide effective stimulation of deeper brain areas, as shallow-depth cortical stimulation is insufficient for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A TRPMS apparatus with multiple releasable magnetic assemblies that rotate to generate convergent magnetic fluxes of controlled strength, frequency, and duration, targeting subcortical brain regions by positioning the assemblies to combine induced electric fields effectively, minimizing unwanted stimulation outside the targeted area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple magnetic assemblies are used to increase magnetic field strength at depth, then subcortical stimulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the magnetic stimulation task into multiple independent magnetic assemblies (at least two), each positioned at specific locations on the head mount. Each assembly contributes a portion of the total magnetic field, allowing the system to achieve sufficient field strength at subcortical depths while maintaining modular, replaceable components that simplify individual assembly design and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the magnetic fields from multiple magnetic assemblies through spatial convergence and temporal synchronization. The assemblies are positioned and controlled to produce magnetic fluxes that converge at the target subcortical location, creating a cumulative effect that achieves the necessary field strength for deep brain stimulation.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic assemblies are positioned to converge fields at subcortical depth, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by positioning each magnetic assembly at specific locations on the head mount optimized for targeting particular subcortical structures. The assemblies can be selectively activated and individually adjusted to converge their magnetic fields precisely at the desired target location, enabling structure-specific stimulation without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic assemblies are designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing independent adjustment of rotation speed, pulse frequency, and activation timing. This dynamic control enables precise temporal and spatial convergence of magnetic fields at the target location, optimizing stimulation precision while maintaining simple, standardized hardware components.
3Reliability
If magnetic flux is concentrated at target location, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but unwanted stimulation of surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves localized magnetic field convergence by positioning each assembly to target a specific subcortical structure. The magnetic flux from each assembly is directed and shaped to concentrate at the intended target while naturally decaying with distance, creating a focused stimulation zone that spares surrounding brain regions from excessive stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic assemblies operate with controlled periodic rotation and pulsing, delivering magnetic flux in regulated bursts rather than continuous exposure. This periodic action allows for precise temporal control of field convergence at the target location, enabling therapeutic stimulation while minimizing cumulative exposure and unwanted effects in surrounding areas through controlled duty cycles and inter-burst intervals.
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 approach enhances the magnetic field strength at the target location, enabling modulation of biological, cellular, and biochemical processes in subcortical areas, achieving therapeutic effects while avoiding unnecessary stimulation of other brain regions.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic assemblies employ rotating permanent magnets to generate time-varying magnetic fields that induce electric currents at a targeted location in the brain of the patient
Implementation Method 2
The regions of induced electric fields generated by each of the plurality of magnetic assemblies converge and overlap in the targeted subcortical location and combine to a magnitude sufficient to stimulate neurons
Data Source
AI summary
A method of affecting a biological, cellular or biochemical function or structure in a targeted subcortical location in a brain of a patient using a TRPMS apparatus placed on a head of the patient includes positioning two or more of a plurality of magnetic assemblies on locations of the head mount selected to stimulate the targeted subcortical location in the brain of the patient, and activating the plurality of magnetic assemblies at the selected locations to generate magnetic fluxes of a selected strength, frequency and duration directed into the brain of the patient, wherein the magnetic flux directed into the brain of the patient from each of the assemblies is operative to generate induced electric field in regions of the brain and the regions of induced electric fields generated by each of the plurality of magnetic assemblies converge in the targeted subcortical location and combine to a magnitude sufficient to affect the biological, cellular or biochemical function or structure in the targeted subcortical location.