Implantable Optical Module Beam Steering Cross-Talk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external optical sensor devices for measuring physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation, face challenges including accuracy issues due to iron deficiency, skin pigment, and ambient light interference.

Innovation Solution

An implantable medical device (IMD) with an optical module that includes a first and second light emitter, a light detector, and at least one optical layer featuring a beam steering feature, such as a lens or optical grating, and a cross-talk feature to reduce interference and enhance light detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external optical sensor devices are used to measure physiological parameters, then the measurement can be performed non-invasively, but accuracy is compromised due to iron deficiency, skin pigment, and ambient light interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidinterference from iron deficiency, skin pigment, and ambient light

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical module as an intermediary system that includes multiple light emitters (red and infrared LEDs) and a photodetector. This intermediary optical sensing system penetrates the skin barrier and measures physiological parameters internally, avoiding the harmful external factors that affect non-invasive measurements. The optical module acts as a mediator between the measurement system and the body, filtering out ambient light interference and providing accurate measurements despite skin pigment or iron deficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional non-invasive optical sensing with an implantable optical module that uses electrical signals to drive light emitters and photodetectors. This substitution of mechanical/optical external sensing with an integrated implantable system enables more accurate measurements by eliminating the confounding factors present in external sensing, such as ambient light interference and skin pigmentation effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light emitters and optical layers are integrated into the IMD, then light detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light emitters (red LED and infrared LED) and the photodetector into a single integrated optical module that is implanted within the IMD housing. This consolidation combines the functions of multiple optical components into one unified unit, improving light detection accuracy through multi-wavelength sensing while managing device complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical module is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform various physiological measurements using different light wavelengths. The same integrated module handles both red and infrared light detection, enabling the system to measure multiple physiological parameters (such as blood oxygen saturation and other hemodynamic parameters) through a single implanted device, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 IMD effectively senses backscattered light, improving measurement accuracy of physiological parameters like blood oxygen content by directing and filtering light to minimize interference.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical layer comprising a beam steering feature and/or a cross-talk feature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam steering: Lens

Implementation Method 2

the beam steering feature is a lens or an optical grating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical grating: Diffraction Grating

Implementation Method 3

a light detector arranged to sense backscattered light responsive to the first beam and the second beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

the cross-talk feature is an area of dark material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250072754A1Medical devices with an optical module

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

An implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a first light emitter arranged to generate a first beam of emitted light, a second light emitter arranged to generate a second beam of emitted light, a light detector arranged to sense backscattered light, and at least one optical layer comprising a beam steering feature and/or a cross-talk feature.