Adjustable Capacitive Voltage Multiplier for In-Pulse Stimulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for neurostimulation systems, such as spinal cord stimulation, lack the ability to dynamically adjust voltage output during stimulation pulses, leading to inefficiencies in energy use and potential sub-optimal therapy delivery due to fixed voltage settings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable capacitive voltage multiplier (CVM) with diagnostic circuitry that allows for real-time adjustment of voltage output by disconnecting and reconnecting the CVM output node from the electrode, using an auxiliary voltage source, and reconfiguring the charge pump arrangement based on control signals, enabling incremental or decremental adjustments during the stimulation pulse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed voltage setting is used in the IPG, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to changing electrical conditions deteriorates and energy efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage adjustment mechanism that allows the IPG to change voltage settings during stimulation pulses. The system uses a capacitive voltage multiplier with adjustable capacitance values that can be modified in real-time based on feedback from diagnostic circuitry, enabling the device to adapt to changing electrical conditions while maintaining controlled complexity through systematic design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and capacitance) of the IPG system dynamically. By using a capacitive voltage multiplier with switchable capacitance configurations controlled by digital signals, the system can adjust voltage output levels during operation, improving adaptability while managing device complexity through parameter-based control
2Ease of operation
If a fixed voltage setting is used in the IPG, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of stimulation settings deteriorates and energy efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting system where the IPG automatically modifies voltage settings based on feedback from diagnostic circuitry. The system monitors electrical conditions and autonomously adjusts capacitance values in the voltage multiplier, eliminating the need for manual intervention while improving precision through real-time adaptation to changing tissue impedance and stimulation requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time voltage adjustment is implemented in the IPG, then the adaptability to changing electrical conditions is improved and energy efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitance function into multiple discrete capacitive elements that can be independently switched and configured. By dividing the voltage multiplier into modular capacitor banks with specific capacitance values, the system achieves real-time voltage adjustment capability while managing complexity through systematic segmentation and standardized control interfaces
4Measurement precision
If real-time voltage adjustment is implemented in the IPG, then the precision of stimulation settings is improved and energy efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where diagnostic circuitry continuously monitors electrical conditions (such as tissue impedance and voltage drops) and provides feedback signals to the control logic. This feedback mechanism enables precise voltage adjustment by automatically modifying capacitance settings based on actual stimulation requirements, improving precision while managing complexity through closed-loop control
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 solution allows for finer-grain adjustments of voltage output during stimulation, optimizing energy use and ensuring effective therapy delivery by adapting to changing electrical conditions in real-time, reducing energy waste and improving the precision of stimulation settings.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive voltage multiplier (CVM) with diagnostic circuitry that allows for real-time adjustment of voltage output
Implementation Method 2
reconfiguring the charge pump arrangement based on control signals
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) includes an adjustable capacitive voltage multiplier (CVM) that is responsive to diagnostic circuitry configured to provide control signals within a single stimulation current pulse for adjusting the voltage output applied to an electrode of the IMD's lead system. A control counter is coupled to the diagnostic circuitry for incrementing or decrementing an N-bit counter output signal operative to reconfigure a charge pump arrangement of the CVM so as to facilitate an adjusted voltage output.