Ultrasonic Wave Control for Localized Electric Potential Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating electric potentials or electric currents inside articles are limited in spatial and temporal control, failing to localize the effects to desired positions and maintain them for desired periods due to the non-localizable nature of magnetic fields and high-velocity fluctuations in electric field or current directions.
Innovation Solution
An electric potential generation method and apparatus that combines ultrasonic waves and magnetic fields, where the magnetic field and ultrasonic waves are controlled to generate a desired spatial pattern and temporal pattern of electric potential by adjusting the direction, frequency, amplitude, and phase of the ultrasonic waves to move a prescribed region within the object, thereby creating a Lorentz force and generating an arbitrary electric potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic field is used to generate electric potentials inside an article, then electric potentials can be generated non-destructively, but the magnetic field cannot be localized in space and quickly disperses when becoming distant from the generation source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary to locally generate electric potentials. The ultrasonic waves act as a mediator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy through piezoelectric effects or electrostriction in the target region, enabling localized potential generation without requiring a localized magnetic field source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based electromagnetic induction system with a ultrasonic wave-based mechanical vibration system. By using ultrasonic waves to mechanically vibrate the target region and generate electric potentials through mechanical-electrical coupling effects, the system achieves localized potential generation without the spatial dispersion problem of magnetic fields.
2Power
If electric potential is generated by vibrating an article with ultrasonic waves in the presence of a static electric field, then electric current can be generated, but the direction of the generated electric current varies at high velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic ultrasonic wave vibrations to generate electric potentials. By synchronizing the periodic mechanical vibrations with the desired temporal pattern of electric potential generation, the system achieves stable directional control of electric current while maintaining high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the parameters of ultrasonic waves (frequency, amplitude, phase) to generate electric potentials with desired temporal patterns. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can maintain stable current direction while generating high power, overcoming the direction variability problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic fields are used for brain stimulation, then electric potentials can be generated in the brain, but the range affected by the magnetic field is limited to areas near the magnetic field generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brain stimulation function into multiple localized ultrasonic wave sources. Each ultrasonic source can independently generate electric potentials in its local region, enabling segmented control of different brain areas. This segmentation allows versatile stimulation of multiple brain regions without requiring a single large magnetic field generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point magnetic field source to distributed ultrasonic wave sources arranged in three-dimensional space. By positioning ultrasonic sources at different locations and controlling their waves to converge on target regions, the system achieves widespread brain coverage while maintaining localized control, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions for versatile stimulation.
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 allows for the generation of electric potentials with desired spatial and temporal patterns inside a conductor, enabling precise control over electric fields and currents, such as for non-invasive brain stimulation, with improved localization and duration of effects.
Implementation Method 1
generating a magnetic field having an intensity based on an arbitrary first temporal pattern in a region including a target position inside an object, using a magnetic field formation unit that generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
generating a force having a desired direction, intensity, and shape in accordance with the first temporal pattern so as to move a prescribed region of the object at the target position based on the force, by irradiating the target position with the one or more ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
generating an arbitrary electric potential based on the magnetic field in the prescribed region
Data Source
AI summary
An electric potential generation method that includes generating a magnetic field having an intensity based on an arbitrary first temporal pattern in a region including a target position inside an object, using a magnetic field formation unit that generates a magnetic field: generating one or more ultrasonic waves in which respective parameters of direction, frequency, amplitude, and phase are separately adjusted, by separately controlling one or more wave sources; generating a force having a desired direction, intensity, and shape in accordance with the first temporal pattern so as to move a prescribed region of the object at the target position based on the force, by irradiating the target position with the one or more ultrasonic waves; and generating an arbitrary electric potential based on the magnetic field in the prescribed region.