Electrode Configuration for Implantable Electroacupuncture Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroacupuncture devices are invasive and inefficient, requiring needles and long insulated wires for stimulation, and their electrode configurations do not optimally direct current to target tissue locations for effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A coin-sized implantable electroacupuncture device with electrodes configured on the housing, featuring cathodic electrodes on the surfaces and an anodic electrode on the perimeter edge, allowing for controlled current density and depth penetration to minimize corrosion and shunting, while using a small battery for long-lasting stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional acupuncture needles and long insulated wires are used for electroacupuncture stimulation, then the treatment can be applied, but the device becomes invasive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrode function from the complex traditional acupuncture setup by placing electrodes directly on the housing surfaces. The cathodic electrodes are positioned on the top and bottom surfaces while the anodic electrode is on the perimeter edge, eliminating the need for separate needle electrodes and long insulated wires, thus reducing invasiveness and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrode configuration with the housing structure itself. The housing surfaces serve as the electrode interfaces, combining the stimulation function with the structural component. This integration eliminates the need for separate invasive needle electrodes and simplifies the overall device architecture
2Reliability
If electrodes are configured to deliver electrical stimulation, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but electrode corrosion and current shunting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrode configurations to different locations on the housing. The cathodic electrodes are placed on the top and bottom surfaces for optimal current penetration, while the anodic electrode is positioned on the perimeter edge. This localized optimization ensures efficient current delivery to target tissue while minimizing corrosion and shunting by distributing current paths strategically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional point-contact electrodes to surface-distributed electrodes. By configuring electrodes on the 2D surfaces of the housing rather than using isolated points, the current density is distributed over a larger area, reducing current shunting and improving current delivery efficiency while minimizing corrosion
3Volume of moving object
If a small battery is used in the implantable device, then the device size is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but the operating duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electroacupuncture stimulation at low duty cycles. The stimulator delivers electrical pulses in periodic bursts rather than continuously, significantly reducing the average power consumption. This periodic operation pattern allows the use of a small coin-cell battery while maintaining adequate operating duration for therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrical stimulation parameters including pulse width, frequency, and amplitude to minimize energy consumption. By carefully selecting these parameters and operating at low duty cycles, the system achieves effective treatment while consuming minimal power, enabling the use of a small battery in a compact device
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 device provides effective, long-lasting, and minimally invasive electroacupuncture treatment by optimizing electrode configuration for efficient current delivery to nerve fibers, reducing electrode corrosion and shunting, and utilizing a small battery for extended operation.
Implementation Method 1
electrodes configured so as to reside on, or form an integral part of, the surfaces of the housing... cathodic electrodes... anodic electrode... controlled current density and depth penetration
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a disease or medical condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified acupoint or other target tissue location at a very low duty cycle. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing, with at least one electrode on the top or bottom surface of the housing functioning as a cathode, and at least one electrode on the perimeter edge of the housing functioning as an anode. The electrodes may be segmented to include an array of smaller cathodic or anodic electrodes, each of which may be selectively turned ON or OFF so as to provide a convenient mechanism for adjusting the density of the stimulus current flowing through the cathodic electrode surface area.