Cortical Stimulator Wireless Power Transfer Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective solution for robust and reliable stimulation of the visual cortex, which is essential for neural recording and programmable stimulation waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A cortical stimulator with an implanted portion and an external portion, featuring an implanted coil, electronics package, and a plurality of electrodes designed to stimulate neural tissue, along with an external coil for power and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power and data transfer is implemented through inductive coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of power transfer may be affected by tissue impedance and signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hermetically sealed interface chamber as an intermediary between the external coil and implanted electronics. This chamber contains the inductive coupling interface and isolates it from body fluids, ensuring reliable electrical connections while maintaining wireless operation. The chamber acts as a mediator that protects the reliability of power transfer while preserving ease of wireless operation.
2Productivity
If high current output is provided for cortical stimulation, then productivity of neural stimulation is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of impedance and stimulation parameters with feedback control. The system monitors the actual current delivered to neural tissue and adjusts output accordingly to prevent excessive current that could cause tissue damage. This feedback mechanism enables high current output capability while maintaining safety through real-time regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetically sealed interface chamber provides beforehand protection by isolating the electronics from body fluids and creating a controlled environment. This pre-protection prevents corrosion and failure of electrical components, ensuring long-term reliability of the high current output system while protecting surrounding tissue from potential harm.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple electrodes are implanted for cortical coverage, then area of stimulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cortical stimulation function into multiple independent electrodes arranged in an array within the hermetically sealed chamber. Each electrode can be independently controlled and monitored, allowing comprehensive cortical coverage while managing complexity through modular organization. The segmentation of stimulation sites into discrete electrodes enables precise control over the stimulated area.
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
The cortical stimulator effectively stimulates the visual cortex, providing neural recording capabilities, programmable stimulation waveforms, and high current output, ensuring safety and reliability through impedance checks and continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The implanted coil transfers power and data to the electronics package and the electronics package drives the electrodes. The external portion includes support adapted to hold an external coil in close proximity to the implanted coil when implanted; the external coil supplies power and data to the implanted coil.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a cortical stimulator. The cortical stimulator includes an implanted portion and an external portion. The implanted portion includes an implanted coil, electronics package, and a plurality of electrodes adapted to stimulate neural tissue. The implanted coil transfers power and data to the electronics package and the electronics package drives the electrodes. The external portion includes support adapted to hold an external coil in close proximity to the implanted coil when implanted; the external coil supplies power and data to the implanted coil.