Dual Wireless Power Controllers for Neurostimulation Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation technologies face challenges in efficiently powering implants for treating neurological disorders, particularly in providing consistent and adaptive power delivery that aligns with the subject's activity patterns and sleep-wake cycles, with existing solutions being limited by battery life and distance constraints.
Innovation Solution
A dual-controller system is introduced, comprising a battery-powered controller for portable use during the day and a mains-powered controller for nighttime use, allowing for wireless power transmission with varying signal strengths and durations to optimize implant power based on the subject's activity and position, using a combination of antennas and control units to ensure continuous and efficient energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-powered controller is used for portable use during the day, then portability and immediate use are improved, but battery life and power transmission duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply function into two separate controllers: a battery-powered portable controller for daytime use and a mains-powered stationary controller for nighttime use. This segmentation allows each controller to be optimized for its specific use case, with the battery controller providing portability and the mains controller providing extended duration power transmission.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a mains-powered controller is used for nighttime use, then power transmission duration and signal strength are improved, but portability and immediate use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply function into two distinct controllers, with the mains-powered controller dedicated to nighttime stationary use. This allows the mains controller to provide extended power transmission duration and stronger signal strength without the constraint of battery limitations, while the portable function is handled by the battery-powered controller.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the implant is placed closer to the battery-powered controller, then power reception efficiency is improved, but the subject's mobility and positioning flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-controller system segments the power transmission function, allowing the battery-powered controller to handle situations requiring subject mobility and positioning flexibility, while the mains-powered controller handles nighttime stationary use where optimized power reception can be achieved.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mains-powered controller provides power over a large zone, then subject mobility with respect to the controller is improved, but the proportion of power received by the implant is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power transmission responsibilities between two controllers, with the mains-powered controller providing broad coverage for nighttime use and the battery-powered controller providing focused, efficient power transmission for daytime activities requiring subject mobility.
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 enables efficient and adaptive power delivery to implants, extending battery life and ensuring reliable operation across different usage scenarios, including during sleep and wakeful periods, with the mains-powered controller providing prolonged power transmission and the battery-powered controller offering portability and immediate use.
Implementation Method 1
at least, one first-controller antenna configured to transmit a first wireless power signal having a first signal power
Implementation Method 2
at least one second-controller antenna, configured to transmit a second wireless power signal having a second signal power
Implementation Method 3
at least one implant antenna configured to receive 1-10 percent of the first signal power of the first wireless power signal, and to receive 0.01-1 percent of the second signal power of the second wireless power
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, comprising (1) a first controller comprising at least one first-controller antenna configured to transmit a first wireless power signal having a first signal power; and a first-controller control unit configured to use battery power to drive the first-controller antenna; (2) a second controller, comprising at least one second-controller antenna, configured to transmit a second wireless power signal having a second signal power; and a second-controller control unit, configured to use mains electricity power to drive the second-controller antenna; and (3) an implant, comprising one or more electrodes; at least one implant antenna configured to receive 1-10 percent of the first signal power, and to receive 0.01-1 percent of the second signal power; and circuitry configured to drive the one or more electrodes responsively to the received 1-10 percent of the first signal power, or the received 0.01-1 percent of the second signal power.