Charge Pump Charging Time Prediction for Medical Device Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices that rely on internal power sources, such as batteries or supercapacitors, face challenges in maintaining adequate electrical stimulation output as the power source voltage decreases, potentially leading to out-of-regulation conditions due to the charge pump's reduced ability to accumulate charge within the specified time intervals for pulse delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the length of time a charge pump needs to accumulate charge at a present voltage level to provide a stimulation output, calculate the total time interval available for charging during stimulation delivery, and assess whether the device can deliver stimulation at a lower voltage level, using a processor to manage the charge pump and signal generator to ensure continued therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the power source voltage decreases, then the power source can operate for longer duration, but the charge pump's ability to accumulate charge decreases leading to out-of-regulation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of charge pump charging time at the present voltage level and compares it against the time interval between stimulation pulses. This advance assessment allows the system to predict whether the charge pump will be able to accumulate sufficient charge before the next pulse is required, preventing out-of-regulation conditions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by determining charging time at different voltage levels. By calculating the charging time at the present voltage level and comparing it with the required time interval, the system adapts its operation to maintain reliable stimulation delivery even as voltage parameters change over the power source lifetime.
2Reliability
If the charge pump accumulates charge at lower voltage levels, then the stimulation can be maintained, but the charging time increases potentially exceeding the pulse interval
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of charge pump charging time at the present voltage level and compares it against the time interval between stimulation pulses. This advance assessment allows the system to predict whether the charge pump will be able to accumulate sufficient charge before the next pulse is required, preventing out-of-regulation conditions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by determining whether the medical device will be able to deliver stimulation at a lower voltage level based on the charging time measurement. This feedback mechanism allows the system to assess its own capability and take appropriate action to maintain reliable stimulation delivery throughout the power source voltage range.
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
Ensures that medical devices can effectively deliver stimulation therapy throughout the life of a power source by predicting and adapting to voltage changes, preventing out-of-regulation conditions and maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A medical device may utilize a charge pump to store charge acquired from a power source and deliver the stored charge as a stimulation output
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining whether a medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to a particular program throughout a useable voltage range of a power source of the medical device are described. According to some examples, the medical device charges a charge pump to a level sufficient to provide a stimulation output according to a stimulation program, determines a length of time that the charge pump charges at the present power source voltage level, and determines a time between stimulation pulses of the stimulation program. Whether the medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to the program when the power source is at a power source voltage level lower than the present voltage level is determined based on the length of time the charge pump charges at the present voltage level of the power source and the time between stimulation pulses.