External Antenna Positioning for Efficient Implant Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation systems face challenges in efficiently delivering targeted therapy for acute and chronic pain conditions and pelvic disorders due to suboptimal power transfer and alignment issues between external and implanted devices, leading to inefficiencies in energy use and therapy effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system comprising an external device with an adjustable antenna array and a power harvesting circuit, optimized using a Z-parameter matrix for high power transfer efficiency and bandwidth, and featuring a positioning device for precise alignment with the implanted device, allowing for customizable energy delivery and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the external device is positioned close to the skin for optimal communication, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but positioning precision and alignment with the implanted device become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning mechanisms with a magnetic positioning system. Magnets embedded in the external device interact with ferromagnetic materials or implanted magnets to automatically align and secure the external device over the implant site, eliminating the need for precise manual placement while maintaining optimal communication distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets and ferromagnetic materials as intermediary elements between the external device and the implanted device. These intermediaries provide both the positioning function and the magnetic coupling necessary for efficient power transfer, resolving the contradiction between close positioning and alignment precision.
2Device complexity
If the external device uses a fixed antenna configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different implant locations and patient anatomies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements rather than using a single fixed antenna. Each antenna element can be independently controlled and tuned, allowing the system to adapt to different implant locations and anatomical variations while keeping each individual antenna element relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable antenna parameters including frequency tuning, impedance matching, and active element selection. These dynamic adjustments allow the antenna system to optimize performance for different implant depths, locations, and patient anatomies without requiring complex physical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If the system uses high power levels for effective therapy delivery, then therapy efficacy is improved, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors power transfer efficiency, tissue impedance, and therapy response in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts power levels to deliver effective therapy while minimizing energy consumption and preventing excessive heat generation. The feedback loop enables the system to operate at optimal power levels rather than continuously high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters such as frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle to optimize power delivery efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve effective therapy delivery at lower average power levels, reducing overall energy consumption and heat generation while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
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 system achieves enhanced therapy efficacy by optimizing power transfer and alignment, reducing energy requirements, and improving treatment outcomes for various pain and disorder conditions, including chronic pain and pelvic disorders, with increased configurability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one external antenna transfers power to the at least one implantable antenna
Implementation Method 2
an external device comprising at least one external antenna, wherein the at least one external antenna transfers power to the at least one implantable antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulation system for a patient is provided. The system comprises: at least one implantable device comprising at least one implantable antenna; and an external device comprising at least one external antenna, wherein the at least one external antenna transfers power to the at least one implantable antenna. The at least one implantable device delivers therapy to the patient. A patient attachment device or body covering positions the at least one external antenna relative to the patient.