Wireless Neural Stimulator for Metabolic Function Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, rely on external administration of synthetic chemicals or drugs, which have significant unintended health consequences and lifestyle impacts, and existing neural stimulation technologies are limited by large electrode sizes and wired connections, restricting their functionality and suitability.

Innovation Solution

An implanted neural stimulation system comprising micro particles and a central controller that communicate wirelessly, providing targeted electrical stimulation to the nervous system to modulate chemical signal production and secretion, including insulin and glucagon, using a multicontact cuff or microelectrode array powered wirelessly or by an implanted battery, with closed-loop feedback from blood glucose levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external administration of synthetic chemicals or drugs is used to treat metabolic disorders, then chemical signal production can be promoted or inhibited, but significant unintended health consequences and lifestyle impacts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidunintended health consequences

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical administration (injections, pills) with electrical neural stimulation to modulate metabolic function. Electrical signals stimulate nerves to naturally regulate insulin and glucagon production, eliminating the need for synthetic chemicals and their associated side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the nervous system as an intermediary between external control and metabolic regulation. By stimulating nerves that naturally control insulin and glucagon secretion, the system uses the body's own regulatory mechanisms rather than directly administering chemicals, thereby avoiding unintended health consequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wired electrode arrays are used for neural stimulation, then nerve function can be restored, but large size and wired connections limit functionality and suitability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve function restorationVSAvoidelectrode size and wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the neural stimulation system into multiple small independent electrodes that can be positioned at different nerve locations. This segmentation allows targeted stimulation of specific nerves without requiring large electrode arrays, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective nerve function restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. The electrodes communicate stimulation parameters and sensor data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wires and large connectors, thereby reducing device size and improving suitability for implantable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enables precise and long-term modulation of metabolic functions with reduced risk of nerve damage and atrophy, improving the management of metabolic disorders while minimizing side effects, and allowing for refined targeting and lower power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The micro particle may include a power system that receives wireless energy transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electrode system that transmits an electrical pulse for stimulating the target location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS10918871B2Systems and methods for peripheral nervous stimulation for metabolic and endocrine function

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 GALVANI BIOELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for neuro stimulation. In one implementation, a system is provided that includes a stimulator introduced into tissue at a target location and a central controller that communicates wirelessly with the stimulator. The stimulator includes a power system that receives wireless energy transmission, and an electrode system that transmits an electrical pulse for stimulating the target location. The central controller includes a power system that wirelessly delivers power to the stimulator, a communication system that wirelessly communicates with the stimulator, and a processing system that controls the power system and the communication system. The central controller may instruct the stimulator to transmit one or more electrical pulses to the target location to affect an endocrine function (e.g., affect the glucose level of a patient).