Wireless Neural Interface with Hermetic Seal Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain-machine interfaces are limited by the need for invasive sensors and external cabling, restricting patient mobility and extending hospital stays for prolonged monitoring of brain activity.
Innovation Solution
An implantable wireless neural interface device, the sub-acute Brown neural card (SBNC), enables wireless communication between the brain and external devices, featuring an electrode array, amplifier circuit, and wireless transceiver for data transmission, allowing for both neural signal detection and stimulation, and providing a biocompatible, hermetically sealed module for implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external cabling is used to transmit neural data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but patient mobility is restricted and hospital stay duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The implantable device uses a wireless transceiver to transmit neural data and receive control signals without physical cables, thereby eliminating the mobility restrictions imposed by external cabling while maintaining data transmission reliability through structured wireless communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless transceiver as an intermediary component within the implantable device. This transceiver acts as a mediator between the neural sensing circuits and external devices, enabling data transmission without direct physical connection while preserving communication reliability through standardized wireless protocols.
2Measurement precision
If invasive sensors are used to detect neural signals, then measurement precision is improved, but biocompatibility and tissue damage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple small electrode contacts distributed across the implantable device surface rather than a single large invasive probe. Each electrode contact is sized to minimize tissue disruption while collectively providing sufficient neural signal detection precision through spatial distribution and signal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biocompatible composite materials for the implantable device housing and electrode contacts. These materials are designed to be compatible with neural tissue, reducing inflammatory responses and tissue damage while maintaining the electrical properties necessary for precise neural signal detection.
3Reliability
If hermetically sealed implantable module is used, then device reliability and biocompatibility are improved, but wireless signal transmission is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a hermetically sealed implantable housing with integrated wireless transceiver components positioned to transmit signals through or near the sealed enclosure. The seal design incorporates regions that allow electromagnetic signal passage while maintaining hermetic protection of internal electronics, balancing device reliability with wireless transmission capability.
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 unrestricted mobility for patients and extended monitoring periods by wirelessly transmitting neural data, reducing the need for external cabling and facilitating bidirectional communication between brain circuits and external devices.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the plurality of channels via a wireless medium through a window within the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
an amplifier circuit coupled with the plurality of electrical contacts for processing electrical signals received from the electrode array into data signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing an electrical interface to a body are provided. In one embodiment, an implantable module is disclosed, comprising: an implantable electrode array, implantable within a body and capable of providing a plurality of communication channels for communicating electrical signals detected in a body; an amplifier circuit for processing electrical signals received from the electrode array; a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving telemetry data between the amplifier circuit and a wireless receiver located outside of the body; and a sealed enclosure that houses the amplifier circuit and the wireless transmitter and is biocompatible with surrounding tissue, the enclosure having a window that is transparent to a wireless medium used by the wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, a wireless transceiver and amplifier is detachably coupled to a transcutaneous attachment device, and the implantable electrode array is electrically coupled to the interface board via the transcutaneous attachment device.