Wireless Neural Probe Nodes with Telemetric Antenna Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural interrogation technologies face limitations in spatial resolution, mechanical constraints, and inefficiencies in development due to tethered electronics and bulky connectors, which hinder simultaneous multi-site neural recording and probe development.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing spatially isolated nodes with a telemetric antenna array for wireless power and data transmission, enabling near-field inductive coupling and flexible system architecture for simultaneous multi-site neural recording, eliminating transdural cables and allowing for easy mixing and matching of neural probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tethered electronics and bulky connectors are used to connect neural probes, then power and data transmission can be achieved, but the number of arrays that can be implanted is limited and mechanical constraints are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tethered connection components (cables, connectors) from the neural probe system, leaving only the wireless-powered neural probes implanted in the brain. The external electronics are completely separated from the implanted devices, eliminating mechanical constraints while maintaining power and data transmission through wireless electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethered connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission system. Instead of physical cables and connectors, the system uses inductive coupling between external antennas and implanted coils to transfer power and modulate data, eliminating all mechanical constraints on the number and positioning of implantable arrays.
2Loss of information
If wire tethers are used to connect MEA to recording electronics, then data can be transmitted, but implantation difficulty increases and mechanical movement causes array shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire tether component entirely from the implantation procedure. Neural probes are implanted without any attached cables or connectors, dramatically simplifying the surgical procedure. Data transmission is maintained through wireless communication between external antennas and implanted nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wire tether connection with a wireless electromagnetic field-based data transmission system. Data is modulated onto the wireless power signal or transmitted separately through the same inductive coupling channel, eliminating mechanical constraints and array shifting problems while maintaining reliable data transmission.
3Reliability
If wire tethers transverse the dura matter, then connection is achieved, but healing is prevented and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transdural wire tether from the system, eliminating the pathway for infection. Neural probes are connected to external electronics entirely through wireless electromagnetic coupling, with no physical penetration of the dura matter required after implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire tether that penetrates dura matter with a wireless electromagnetic field-based connection system. Power and data are transmitted through the skull bone and dura matter without physical penetration, eliminating the infection pathway while maintaining reliable connection.
4Use of energy by moving object
If tethered electronics are used, then power delivery is achieved, but device complexity and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wireless power and communication platform that can interface with multiple different types of neural probes simultaneously. The external antenna array and control system serve as a common interface for various probe technologies, eliminating the need for separate tethered connections for each probe type and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex tethered electronics with a simplified wireless power delivery system based on inductive coupling. The external antenna array provides power wirelessly to multiple implanted nodes, eliminating the need for physical cable management, connectors, and associated complex routing infrastructure.
5Quantity of substance
If traditional MEA technology is scaled to record from more channels, then recording capacity increases, but geometric limits are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording system into multiple independent wireless-powered neural probe nodes that can be distributed across different brain regions. Each node operates independently with its own wireless power and data transmission, allowing scalable expansion of recording channels across multiple spatial locations without geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar scaling of MEA arrays to three-dimensional distributed deployment of wireless nodes throughout the brain. Multiple nodes can be positioned at different depths and locations, utilizing the third dimension (depth) and spatial distribution to dramatically increase recording channel capacity beyond the geometric limits of surface arrays.
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 enables efficient, simultaneous multi-site neural recording, reduces surgical implantation site limitations, minimizes cortical damage, and facilitates faster development of new neural probes by allowing wireless communication and on-board processing, while supporting chronic implantation and diverse neural interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention leverages near-field inductive coupling techniques and a flexible system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes spatially isolated nodes proximal to a cortical surface or spinal cord, a telemetric antenna array located above the dura, the telemetric antenna array configured to provide power to and exchange data with the spatially isolated nodes, and a power and data distribution unit configured to power the spatially isolated nodes, aggregate recorded data, send the aggregated recorded data and commands through a wireless link.