Variable-Spaced TMS Coil Layout for Precise Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils have complex winding geometries that lead to undesired high field strengths in non-targeted areas, posing safety risks and requiring expensive cooling, while being costly to produce and operate.
Innovation Solution
A TMS coil design with at least four windings of varying spacing and an insulating structure, featuring two groups of windings with a 1.5 times larger surface area, allows for targeted magnetic field generation with reduced production and operating costs, enhanced safety, and passive cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If complex winding geometries with multiple overlapping windings are used to concentrate magnetic field at target points, then focal electric field strength is improved, but field distribution control deteriorates causing high field strengths at undesired points
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is divided into two distinct groups: inner windings (first group) and outer windings (second group), each with different geometric configurations and spacing patterns. This segmentation allows independent optimization of field concentration at focal points while controlling field distribution in surrounding areas, preventing harmful high field strengths at undesired locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different winding sections are designed with locally optimized properties: inner windings have smaller radii and specific spacing for focal field concentration, while outer windings have larger radii and different spacing for field distribution control. The spacing between adjacent windings varies locally to achieve desired field characteristics at different radial positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex winding geometries are used to achieve precise field distribution, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex winding geometry is segmented into two manageable groups with distinct characteristics. Each group follows a systematic pattern (inner vs. outer windings) that simplifies manufacturing while achieving precise field distribution. The segmented approach makes the complex geometry more controllable and manufacturable compared to a single complex winding pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil employs asymmetric winding configurations where inner windings have different geometric properties than outer windings. This asymmetry is deliberately designed to achieve precise field distribution patterns that match brain anatomy, while the systematic nature of the asymmetric design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
3Power
If high field strengths are generated at focal points, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing between adjacent windings is optimized locally: tighter spacing at inner regions for field concentration, and increased spacing at outer regions for heat dissipation. This local optimization allows high field strengths at focal points while providing thermal pathways to manage coil temperature and reduce cooling requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex winding geometries are used to achieve precise field concentration, then stimulation precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winding geometry is segmented into two groups with systematic patterns that are easier to manufacture than a single complex pattern. The inner and outer winding groups can be constructed using standardized techniques, reducing production cost while maintaining field concentration precision through the deliberate geometric relationships between the groups.
5Area of stationary object
If extensive windings are used to cover large cortical areas, then activation area is improved, but field strength control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extensive windings are segmented into inner and outer groups, each contributing to different aspects of field distribution. The inner windings provide focal field strength, while the outer windings extend the activation area. This segmentation enables simultaneous control of field strength and activation area that would be difficult to achieve with a single uniform winding pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
Different winding sections have locally optimized spacing and geometry: inner windings for field strength concentration and outer windings for area coverage. The spacing between adjacent windings varies locally to maintain field strength control across the extended activation area.
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 coil achieves precise and efficient stimulation of specific brain regions with reduced side effects and lower operational costs, facilitating easy handling and wider application range.
Implementation Method 1
Coils with several windings are used to generate the alternating magnetic field in a known manner
Implementation Method 2
an insulating structure made of a non-conductive material for contact with a head of a person to be treated, which is arranged below the windings of the electrical line in such a way that the insulating structure electrically insulates the line from the head of a person to be treated
Data Source
AI summary
A coil for the transcranial magnetic stimulation of a human brain, is designed and set up to generate an alternating magnetic field, with: at least one electrical line with a first end and a second end, at each of which a feed connection for supplying the coil with electrical energy is arranged, and which has at least four windings with a different distance from the adjacent winding at least in sections; and an insulating structure of a non-conductive material for abutment against a head of a person to be treated.