Wireless Neural Probe With Inductive Coil Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural interface technologies face challenges in achieving a sufficient number of recording channels for effective motor control, stability of extracellular recordings, power and communication efficiency, and mechanical integrity due to limitations in channel density, signal processing complexity, and biocompatibility.
Innovation Solution
A wireless neural probe system with a 3-tier inductive coupling architecture, featuring a plurality of sensing electrodes, CMOS signal processing circuitry, and a coil array for efficient power transmission and data transfer, allowing for subdural implantation without direct power sources or interconnects, and providing stable local field potential recordings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of recording channels is increased by scaling electrodes and electronics, then channel count increases, but the increase in decoded information rate is not linear (logarithmically proportional), requiring orders of magnitude more channels for sufficient motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the neural interface into multiple independent probes, each with its own coil for inductive coupling. This allows distributed recording channels across multiple probe units, enabling high channel counts without proportionally increasing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/wired connections with inductive coupling through coils. Each probe contains a coil that wirelessly receives power and transmits data, eliminating the need for complex wired interconnects and reducing system complexity while enabling high channel counts
2Reliability
If traditional wired connections are used for power and data, then power delivery is reliable, but percutaneous connections are required which are highly undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with electromagnetic inductive coupling. Coils in each probe wirelessly receive power and transmit data through the skull to external coils, eliminating percutaneous connections while maintaining reliable power delivery and data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coils as intermediary elements that enable wireless power and data transfer. The coils act as mediators between the implanted probes and external devices, allowing power and communication without direct physical penetration of the skin
3Quantity of substance
If rigid silicon-based microelectrodes are used, then high density recordings are achieved, but mechanical failure and biocompatibility issues occur due to tissue damage and electrode movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible probe structures with thin film electrodes instead of rigid silicon probes. This flexibility reduces mechanical mismatch with soft brain tissue, minimizing tissue damage and gliosis while maintaining high channel density, thereby improving chronic deployment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining flexible substrates with conductive electrode materials. This composite approach provides both the mechanical flexibility needed for biocompatibility and the electrical conductivity required for high-density neural recordings
4Reliability
If hermetic seals are made very small to protect mm-sized electronics, then packaging integrity is maintained, but it becomes incompatible with mechanical flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible thin film encapsulation layers that provide hermetic protection while maintaining mechanical flexibility. These thin film seals conform to the flexible probe structure, protecting electronics from moisture and tissue fluids without restricting the probe's ability to move with brain tissue
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 a significantly higher number of recording channels with improved stability and efficiency in power and data transfer, reducing tissue trauma and enhancing chronic recording capabilities while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a coil for receiving power via inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensing electrode... for detecting local field potentials
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A probe (200) for subdural implantation into or onto the human brain, the probe (200) comprising a head (200a), at least one sensing electrode (205), a coil (202) for receiving power via inductive coupling, signal processing circuitry (203) coupled to the sensing electrode(s) (205), and means for wirelessly transmitting data-carrying signals; wherein the coil (202) is located in the head (200a) of the probe.