Implantable Medical Device Case Electrode With Regulated Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face electrochemical issues and common mode noise when using a case-negative design, which can cause damage and diminish sensing accuracy in case-positive designs.
Innovation Solution
A case-driven solution where a regulated voltage is driven onto the case to mitigate electrochemical issues and reduce common mode noise, using a voltage regulator to generate a stable voltage that stops electrochemical processes and maintains sensing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a case-negative design is used, then the device structure is simple, but electrochemical issues occur causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional case-negative design by implementing a case-positive design where the battery can is made positive relative to the battery terminal. This inversion resolves the electrochemical issues that plagued case-negative designs by reversing the polarity relationship between the case and battery terminal, thereby eliminating the harmful electrochemical reactions while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter relationship between the case and battery terminal. By making the case positive relative to the battery terminal (changing the voltage polarity parameter), the design achieves electrochemical stability without compromising structural simplicity. This parameter change fundamentally resolves the electrochemical stability issue.
2Reliability
If a case-positive design is used, then electrochemical issues are resolved, but common mode noise increases diminishing sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage reference system that mediates between the case-positive configuration and the sensing circuitry. By establishing a controlled voltage reference relationship, the system maintains the electrochemical stability benefits of case-positive design while eliminating the common mode noise that would otherwise degrade sensing accuracy. The intermediary voltage reference acts as a buffer that decouples the noise issue from the sensing function.
3Volume of moving object
If volume is reduced by using battery housing as device case, then device size decreases, but electrochemical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle to the battery housing configuration, making the battery can positive relative to the battery terminal. This inversion allows the battery housing to serve dual purposes as both the structural case and the positive electrode, achieving volume reduction while simultaneously resolving the electrochemical stability issue that would otherwise be exacerbated by this space-saving design.
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
Resolves electrochemical issues while reducing common mode noise, ensuring accurate sensing by maintaining a stable voltage on the case throughout the device's operation.
Implementation Method 1
drive a regulated voltage onto the case... stop electrochemical processes
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes: a case at least a portion of which functions as a first electrode; a second electrode disposed in a header coupled to the case; a core assembly, the core assembly including operational circuitry enclosed within a core assembly housing, wherein the case includes the core assembly housing; and a battery assembly, the battery assembly including a battery enclosed within a battery housing, where the case further comprises the battery housing; where the operational circuitry is configured to drive a regulated voltage onto the case.