Wearable TMS Array with Segmented Magnet Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) apparatuses are limited by their fixed construction, high electric currents, and inability to customize magnetic field characteristics, which restricts therapy options and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable, wearable TMS device with multiple magnet assemblies that can be positioned and controlled to tailor the spatial, strength, and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field, using permanent magnets and movement mechanisms or magnetic shield shutter mechanisms to induce custom magnetic fields for individual-specific therapy and research.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TMS apparatus uses fixed construction and high electric currents, then magnetic field can be applied to the brain, but the character of the magnetic field is limited and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large electromagnetic coil into multiple smaller electromagnetic coils arranged in an array. Each coil can be independently controlled to generate magnetic fields with different characteristics, allowing customization of field strength, orientation, and spatial distribution. This segmentation enables versatile magnetic field characterization while using lower currents in each individual coil, reducing safety risks associated with high current application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable and adjustable electromagnetic coils that can be repositioned and reconfigured to change the magnetic field characteristics dynamically. The coils can be moved to different locations and orientations on the head, allowing the magnetic field to be tailored for different brain regions and therapeutic needs. This dynamic adjustability provides field characterization versatility without requiring consistently high currents.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TMS apparatus uses fixed construction, then apparatus structure is simple, but therapy options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large electromagnetic coil into multiple smaller electromagnetic coils arranged in an array. Each coil can be independently controlled to generate magnetic fields with different characteristics, allowing customization of field strength, orientation, and spatial distribution. This segmentation enables versatile magnetic field characterization while using lower currents in each individual coil, reducing safety risks associated with high current application.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of electromagnetic coils is designed to perform multiple functions: stimulating different brain regions, delivering various pulse patterns, and accommodating different coil configurations. The system can be adapted for both therapeutic applications and neuroscience research, providing universal functionality across diverse TMS protocols without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Power
If conventional TMS apparatus uses very high electric currents, then magnetic field strength is sufficient, but risk of accidental injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large electromagnetic coil into multiple smaller electromagnetic coils arranged in an array. Each coil can be independently controlled to generate magnetic fields with different characteristics, allowing customization of field strength, orientation, and spatial distribution. This segmentation enables versatile magnetic field characterization while using lower currents in each individual coil, reducing safety risks associated with high current application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple smaller electromagnetic coils into an array configuration where their magnetic fields can be superimposed to achieve the required overall field strength. By merging the output of multiple low-current coils, the system achieves sufficient magnetic field strength for effective brain stimulation without requiring any single coil to operate at dangerous current levels, thereby reducing the risk of accidental injury.
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 more effective and flexible TMS therapy and diagnostic testing, reducing safety risks while enabling self-administration and more robust brain stimulation, as it customizes magnetic field characteristics for individual needs and enhances neuroscience research capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
TMS applies a rapidly changing magnetic field to the brain of an individual in order to induce weak electric currents in the brain of the individual through electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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.