Wireless Brain Interface Using Ultrasonic Power for Chronic Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for measuring and monitoring brain activity face challenges such as short measurement times, power supply limitations, and tissue damage due to RF power absorption, making long-term wireless brain-computer interfaces and therapies inefficient and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A wireless brain-computer interface system using ultrasonic power transmission and data communication, with a micro device implanted in brain tissue, powered by an external ultrasonic transducer, enabling efficient two-way data transfer and stimulation, and incorporating sensors and light sources for measurement and therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If RF power is used to supply power to wireless implant, then power transmission is achieved, but tissue damage occurs due to heating from energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy conversion mechanism where the implantable device first receives RF energy, converts it to ultrasonic energy, and then transmits ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic receiver. This intermediary conversion step allows the system to benefit from RF's ability to penetrate tissue while avoiding RF's harmful heating effects, as ultrasonic energy can be more precisely focused and controlled at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct RF electromagnetic energy system with a hybrid system that converts RF energy to ultrasonic mechanical energy. This substitution allows for more precise spatial control of energy delivery, as ultrasonic waves can be focused to specific depths and locations within tissue, reducing unnecessary heating of surrounding areas and enabling safer long-term operation.
2Loss of energy
If ultrasonic power transmission is used, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but transmission range is limited due to high absorption from tissues such as bone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy transmission path into two segments: first, RF energy transmission from the external source through the skull to the implantable device (where RF can penetrate bone effectively), and second, ultrasonic energy transmission from the implantable device through the brain tissue to the ultrasonic receiver (where ultrasonic has higher efficiency). This segmentation allows each transmission medium to operate in its optimal frequency range, overcoming the limitations of using a single method for the entire path.
3Measurement precision
If transcutaneous wire is used for data transmission and power supply, then measurement can be performed, but measurement period is limited to short time due to clinical setting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and data transmission functions from the traditional transcutaneous wire connection by implementing wireless RF-to-ultrasonic energy transfer and wireless ultrasonic data communication. This extraction eliminates the physical constraint of the wire, allowing the implant to remain fully implanted for extended periods without requiring periodic removal for charging or data retrieval, thereby enabling chronic measurements.
4Loss of information
If implant memory is used to store measured data, then data can be retained, but implant must be collected from tissue after measurement which causes further discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical data storage and retrieval system (implant memory requiring surgical removal) with a wireless ultrasonic data communication system. The implant continuously or periodically transmits measured data wirelessly through the skin to external receivers using ultrasonic waves, eliminating the need for surgical retrieval and allowing patients to maintain normal activities without periodic hospital visits for data collection.
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 system provides a reliable and efficient means for long-term monitoring and therapy, reducing tissue damage and improving data transmission quality, enabling continuous operation and precise stimulation of brain tissue.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless brain-computer interface system using ultrasonic power transmission and data communication, with a micro device implanted in brain tissue, powered by an external ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 2
enabling efficient two-way data transfer and stimulation
Implementation Method 3
incorporating sensors and light sources for measurement and therapy
Data Source
AI summary
A three-layer brain-computer interface system includes at least one external device, a plurality of second devices implanted on the surface of the cortex of a subject's brain and a plurality of micro devices implanted deeper within the brain. The external device provides power to the second devices and receives data from the second devices. The second devices include data and power receiving/transmission means and sensors, such as for electrocorticography, and provide power and data to the micro devices, such as ultrasound data and power transmission. The micro devices include sensor means and micro LEDS for measuring electric, chemical or other brain signals and provide brain stimulus through micro LEDs or other stimulating means, such as electric or chemical stimulation. The micro devices also receive and transmit data to and from the second devices. The system provides an energy efficient wireless measuring and stimulus system for implantation in the brain tissue.