Implant Electrode Impedance Control for Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implant devices with multiple electrodes often experience impedance mismatches during nerve stimulation and sensing, leading to uneven current distribution and unintended stimulation paths.
Innovation Solution
An implant system with an impedance controller that adjusts electrode connections and impedances using switches and variable resistors based on the intended purpose of use, ensuring balanced current flow and targeted stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then stimulation coverage and functionality are improved, but impedance mismatch occurs among electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different impedance values to different electrodes based on their specific positions and stimulation requirements. Each electrode is configured with customized impedance characteristics rather than uniform impedance across all electrodes, allowing optimized current distribution for targeted nerve stimulation while compensating for impedance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the impedance values of electrodes through controllable impedance elements. The system can modify impedance parameters in real-time based on stimulation needs, allowing the same physical electrode to have different impedance characteristics for different stimulation channels or modes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used for nerve stimulation, then stimulation precision is improved, but current distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring impedance characteristics to each electrode's specific location and stimulation target. This localized impedance optimization ensures that current distribution is optimized for each electrode-channel combination, maintaining uniform and controlled current flow while preserving high stimulation precision for targeted nerve regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are used for both stimulation and sensing, then device functionality is improved, but impedance control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing electrodes and impedance control circuits that can serve multiple functions - both nerve stimulation and sensing operations. The same electrode structure and impedance control mechanism support both modes of operation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and thereby managing complexity while achieving multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by using controllable impedance elements that can be dynamically adjusted based on operational mode. The impedance control system transitions between different impedance states depending on whether the electrode is being used for stimulation or sensing, allowing a single multi-functional electrode to be optimized for different purposes without requiring separate physical designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant system includes an electrode portion comprising plural electrodes to perform nerve stimulation and nerve sensing, an impedance controller configured to selectively connect the plural electrodes between a stimulator to perform nerve stimulation and a sensor to perform nerve sensing based on a control signal, and set an impedance of each of the plural electrodes, and a processor configured to control a contact impedance by the plural electrodes by generating the control signal to control at least one of plural switches connected respectively to the plural electrodes, or variable resistors connected respectively to the plural electrodes, based on at least one of a selectively set purpose of the plural electrodes or a position of an electrode to which nerve stimulation is to be provided.