Active Headpiece Telemetry for Efficient Implant Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable stimulation systems face inefficiencies and emission compliance issues due to unwanted emissions from cables and rigidity in power and data transmission paradigms, which restrict device compatibility and battery life.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transcutaneous transmission system with active components and circuitry within an active headpiece that recovers clock signals and generates synthesized frequencies for wireless transmission of power and data directly to the implantable stimulator, reducing reliance on external devices and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power and data are transmitted through a cable from an external device to a passive transmission device, then power and data can be delivered to the implantable stimulator, but unwanted emissions are generated causing emission compliance issues and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless transmission system. The external device wirelessly transmits power and data signals through tissue to the implantable stimulator, eliminating the physical cable that generated unwanted emissions and energy losses. This substitution of wireless electromagnetic transmission for wired mechanical connection directly resolves the emission and efficiency problems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external device is designed to provide power and data at specific carrier frequencies for compatibility with implanted stimulators, then device compatibility is achieved, but the design flexibility and adaptability are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless transmission system where the external device can operate at multiple carrier frequencies and communicate with different implantable stimulator models. The system incorporates adaptive frequency selection and modulation capabilities, allowing a single external device design to serve multiple implantable devices with different frequency requirements, thereby achieving compatibility without sacrificing design flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a passive headpiece is used for wireless transmission, then the system structure is simplified, but battery life is compromised due to transmission inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active headpiece as an intermediary device between the external device and the implantable stimulator. This active headpiece contains its own power source and transmission circuitry, enabling it to actively manage the wireless power and data transmission. The intermediary active headpiece improves transmission efficiency through active signal boosting and adaptive modulation, thereby extending battery life while maintaining system structural simplicity.
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 increases efficiency, reduces emissions, and streamlines device design by allowing for flexible operation across different clock frequencies and voltage levels, improving compatibility and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
The sound processor may transmit data-modulated AC power through the skin of the recipient to the cochlear implant by way of an antenna coil embedded within a headpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes electronic circuitry that receives a self-clocking differential signal comprising a data signal encoded with a clock signal at a dock frequency. The electronic circuitry is configured to recover, from the self-docking differential signal, the data signal and the dock signal. Then, based on the recovered dock signal, the electronic circuitry is configured to wirelessly transmit, to an implantable stimulator implanted within a recipient, a forward telemetry signal representing data recovered from the data signal. Corresponding systems, methods, devices, and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are also disclosed.