Wearable Neural Activity Control via Interference Wave Superimposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for neural activity control, such as Deep Brain Stimulation and non-invasive electrical stimulation devices, are limited in precision, safety, and effectiveness for treating neurological conditions and enhancing cognitive functions due to their inability to accurately target specific brain regions without affecting normal brain functions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with pairs of electrodes and a control module that transmits electromagnetic field signals of different frequencies to superimpose a low frequency refractory wave at a target brain region, inhibiting or stimulating local neurons for neural activity control, using customizable earpieces and a 3D printing system to ensure precise electrode placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Deep Brain Stimulation is used to regulate irregular neural activity, then neural activity control is achieved, but the procedure is invasive and limited to basal ganglia region only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical implantation method with electromagnetic field delivery. Instead of physically drilling electrodes into the brain, the system uses external electromagnetic fields that can penetrate the skull and target specific brain regions non-invasively, thereby eliminating the harmful invasive procedure while maintaining neural activity control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal electromagnetic stimulation system that can target multiple brain regions (prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, etc.) for different neurological conditions and cognitive enhancement purposes, unlike DBS which is limited to basal ganglia only. The system can be adjusted to treat movement disorders, neurological conditions, and enhance productivity/focus
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive electrical stimulation devices are used, then invasiveness is reduced, but precision in targeting specific brain regions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering electromagnetic fields with specific frequencies that are superimposed to create a refractory wave envelope localized to the target brain region. The system uses frequency-specific targeting where different frequency combinations affect specific neural pathways and regions, enabling precise local control without physical contact with the brain tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of electromagnetic field parameters including frequency, amplitude, and phase modulation. The control module dynamically adjusts the superimposed frequencies to create moving focal points or refractory wave envelopes that can be steered to different brain regions, providing both non-invasiveness and dynamic precision in targeting
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field signals of different frequencies are superimposed, then precise neural targeting is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic stimulation function into multiple independent electrode pairs, each capable of generating specific frequency signals. The control module independently controls each electrode pair's frequency and amplitude, allowing precise targeting through superimposition while maintaining modular device architecture that manages complexity through functional decomposition
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 device effectively regulates irregular neural activity for treating neurological conditions and enhances memory and productivity by delivering targeted neural stimulation with minimal impact on normal brain functions, allowing for self-administration without medical supervision.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic field signals of different frequencies to be superimposed at a target region of brain of a subject; and a control module connected to the at least two pairs of electrodes for controlling operation of the device, wherein the superimposed field signals generate a low frequency refractory wave envelope at the target region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a wearable device, a system for manufacturing a wearable device and a method of neural activity control. The device for temporal interference simulation includes a pair of electrodes at penalizable location. The electrodes each send out a high frequency electromagnetic fields with a very slight difference in the two frequencies. The fields superimpose at a specified region of the brain, which is customized depending on the location of neural activity control, to create a low frequency refractory wave envelope. The low frequency wave inhibits or stimulates local neurons to control electrical activity within that region.