Reconfigurable Current Mirror for Multipolar Implant Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multipolar electrode systems for neural and muscle stimulation face challenges due to the complexity of managing movement, requiring multiple electrodes and wires, which complicates surgical implantation, weakens the implants, and limits the number of excitation zones, while also necessitating precise monitoring of electrical stimuli.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable current mirror device is used to distribute power evenly among multiple cathodes of a multipolar electrode, ensuring constant stimulation spatial location despite variations in control current amplitude, integrated with a high-voltage supply module and digital controller for precise impedance control and efficient energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes and wires are used to manage movement stimulation, then the number of excitation zones increases, but the surgical complexity and implant weakness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single multipolar electrode with integrated current distribution circuitry. The current distribution device integrates multiple current sources and switching elements into one unit, eliminating the need for separate electrodes and external wire connections for each excitation zone, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The multipolar electrode is designed with multiple poles that can be selectively activated to create different excitation zones. The current distribution device provides multi-functional capability by routing current through different pole combinations, allowing a single implant to perform multiple stimulation functions without requiring additional wires or electrodes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes and wires are used to manage movement stimulation, then the number of excitation zones increases, but the implant strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple electrode functions into a single multipolar electrode assembly with integrated electronics, the patent eliminates numerous external wire connections that would weaken the implant structure. The integrated current distribution device consolidates multiple current paths into one robust implant unit, maintaining strength while providing multiple excitation zones
3Measurement precision
If precise monitoring of electrical stimuli is implemented, then stimulation precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current distribution device incorporates built-in monitoring circuitry that automatically measures and tracks the electrical stimuli being delivered to each pole. This self-monitoring capability provides precise stimulation data without requiring external monitoring equipment, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integrated rather than external solutions
4Stability of the object's composition
If a reconfigurable current mirror is used to distribute power, then stimulation stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic current mirror circuit that uses transistor-based current replication and distribution. This electronic approach achieves stable current distribution to multiple poles through electrical rather than mechanical means, improving spatial locating stability while the integrated circuit implementation keeps the complexity increase manageable
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 simplifies the surgical implantation process, enhances the durability of the implants, and allows for more precise and stable stimulation by distributing power efficiently among cathodes, improving the control over excitation zones and reducing the complexity of electrical stimulus management.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable current mirror comprising n outputs coupled respectively to the n cathodes and configured to supply to these n outputs n complementary fractions of a control current having respective chosen values which are substantially constant in the presence of an amplitude variation of the control current
Data Source
AI summary
A device (ES) for distributing power between n cathodes (Ki) of at least one multipolar stimulating electrode (EM) comprises at least one anode (A), wherein n is equal to or greater than two. Said device (ES) comprises a reconfigurable current mirror (MC) which is provided with n outputs (K′i) connectable to said n cathodes (Ki), respectively and supplies to the n (K′i) outputs n complementary fractions of a control current having respective selected values which are substantially constant at the control current amplitude variation in order to carry out a substantially constant spatial location of stimulation.