Implantable Stimulator Voltage Monitoring for Compliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable nerve stimulation devices face challenges in managing battery power consumption, as insufficient supply voltage can hinder circuit operation, while excessive voltage wastes battery life, necessitating efficient voltage regulation to ensure optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voltage monitoring circuit and programmable voltage regulator within the implantable device, controlled by a processor, to adjust the supply voltage to the current-generating circuit, ensuring it delivers the requested current while minimizing unnecessary power drain, using a current mirror circuit and comparator to detect and respond to voltage compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply voltage is increased to ensure proper circuit operation, then the reliability of circuit operation is improved, but the battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by continuously monitoring the compliance voltage across the current-generating circuit and adjusting the supply voltage in real-time. The voltage regulator transitions from a static high-voltage supply to a dynamic system that adapts voltage levels based on actual circuit needs, thereby ensuring reliable operation while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the compliance voltage is monitored and used to control the voltage regulator. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the supply voltage is maintained at the minimum level necessary for proper circuit operation, preventing both under-voltage conditions (which would compromise reliability) and over-voltage conditions (which would waste battery power).
2Duration of action of moving object
If the supply voltage is decreased to conserve battery power, then the battery life is extended, but the circuit operation may become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the supply voltage based on the actual compliance voltage requirements of the current-generating circuit. Rather than using a fixed low voltage that might compromise circuit operation, the voltage is continuously adapted to maintain the minimum necessary level for reliable circuit function while extending battery life through optimized power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback loop monitors the compliance voltage across the current-generating circuit and adjusts the supply voltage accordingly. This ensures that the circuit receives sufficient voltage for reliable operation while avoiding excessive voltage that would deplete the battery unnecessarily, thus extending battery life without compromising reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed high voltage is supplied to the current-generating circuit, then the circuit operation is simplified, but unnecessary battery power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static fixed high-voltage supply with a dynamic voltage regulation system that adapts the supply voltage to the actual needs of the current-generating circuit. This dynamic approach maintains circuit operation simplicity while eliminating the energy waste associated with providing consistently high voltage when lower levels would suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on the compliance voltage conditions. Instead of maintaining a constant high voltage, the supply voltage is adjusted to match the actual requirements of the circuit, thereby reducing energy loss while keeping the circuit operation straightforward through automated voltage adaptation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If voltage monitoring circuitry is added to regulate supply voltage, then battery power management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring and regulation functionality is integrated into the existing implantable device architecture, allowing the same circuitry to serve multiple functions. The compliance voltage monitoring is incorporated into the existing control system, and the voltage regulator works in conjunction with existing circuit components, thereby improving battery power management while minimizing the increase in device complexity through multi-functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage regulator as an intermediary component between the battery and the current-generating circuit. This intermediary element manages the voltage delivery, providing precise power control without requiring complex monitoring systems throughout the entire device. The regulator acts as a dedicated component that simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving improved battery power management.
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 effectively manages battery power by maintaining sufficient voltage for circuit operation while preventing unnecessary battery depletion, ensuring consistent and efficient therapeutic current delivery to the electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator that compares the compliance voltage to a reference voltage and that generates an output signal when the compliance voltage is not sufficient to allow the current mirror circuit to produce the requested current
Implementation Method 2
a current mirror circuit that produces a requested current
Implementation Method 3
a voltage regulator that adjusts the compliance voltage supplied to the current-generating circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a voltage monitoring circuit for use in detecting if a voltage supplied to current-generating circuit is sufficient to allow the current-generating circuit to produce a desired current. In one embodiment the circuit is designed for use in an implantable device that is configured to deliver therapeutic pulses to a patient. The voltage monitoring circuit is configured to produce a signal if a supplied voltage is insufficient to allow a current-generating circuit to deliver a requested current to a set of electrodes. In one embodiment, the voltage monitoring circuit detects a change in a difference between the voltage at a node in the current- generating circuit and the supplied voltage.