Wearable TMS Apparatus with Modular Magnet Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) apparatuses are limited by fixed electromagnetic coil configurations, which restrict the customization of magnetic fields, pose risks due to high electric currents, and are not portable, limiting therapy effectiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
A portable, wearable TMS apparatus with multiple magnet assemblies and a movement mechanism that allows for custom tailoring of spatial, strength, and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field, using a head mount and magnet assemblies with permanent magnets and a magnetic shield shutter mechanism for individual-specific therapy and neuroscience research.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed electromagnetic coil configurations are used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the adaptability of magnetic field customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the magnetic field generation system into multiple independent magnet assemblies (e.g., 6-12 assemblies) that can be independently positioned and controlled on a head mount, allowing customized magnetic field configurations for different individuals and treatment protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet assemblies are made movable along the head mount structure, enabling dynamic repositioning to optimize magnetic field delivery to specific brain regions. The system transitions from fixed coil positions to dynamically adjustable magnet positions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Reliability
If very high electric currents are used in electromagnetic coils, then sufficient magnetic field strength is achieved, but the risk of accidental injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electromagnetic coils requiring high electric currents with permanent magnet assemblies that generate magnetic fields through mechanical positioning and movement. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage electrical connections to the head, removing risks of electric shocks, burns, and seizures while maintaining therapeutic magnetic field strength through precise mechanical control of magnet positions and movements
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets are moved in periodic or pulsed patterns to generate time-varying magnetic fields that induce the desired electric currents in brain tissue. By using periodic mechanical movement rather than continuous high electrical current, the system achieves therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining safety
3Ease of operation
If conventional fixed TMS apparatus are used, then the device is simple to operate, but portability and self-administration capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a head mount with multiple magnet assemblies, control electronics, and power supply that can function as a portable wearable device or be configured for clinic use. This segmentation enables flexibility in deployment scenarios from home use to clinical settings
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions and settings: it can be used for both home self-administration and clinical therapy, supports different treatment protocols, and can be configured with varying numbers of magnet assemblies depending on the specific application requirements
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
Enables individual-specific TMS therapy, reduces the risk of electric shocks, and provides greater flexibility and effectiveness in brain stimulation, allowing for self-administered treatments and more robust brain stimulation outside medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a movement mechanism for moving the permanent magnet for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of an individual
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic shield shutter mechanism, for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of an individual
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to an individual, wherein the apparatus comprises: a head mount for disposition on the head of an individual; and a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount, wherein each of the magnet assemblies comprises a permanent magnet, and at least one of (i) a movement mechanism for moving the permanent magnet and/or (ii) a magnetic shield shutter mechanism, for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of an individual so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the individual; wherein the number of magnet assemblies mounted on the head mount, their individual positioning on the head mount, and their selective provision of a rapidly changing magnetic field is selected so as to allow the spatial, strength and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field to be custom tailored for each individual, whereby to provide individual-specific TMS therapy, to assist in diagnosis or to map out brain function in neuroscience research.