Implantable Power Adapter With Frequency Conversion for Pain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices experience pain, muscle contraction, and discomfort due to the application of low frequency electrical current for transcutaneous energy transfer, necessitating a power adapter that can receive energy at higher frequencies to avoid these undesirable sensations.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter with a housing and circuit configured to receive transcutaneous energy, convert it to a higher frequency, and transmit it to a stimulating electrode for implantable devices, thereby reducing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low frequency electrical current is applied for transcutaneous energy transfer, then energy can be delivered to implantable devices, but pain, muscle contraction, and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the electrical current from low frequency to high frequency. The power adapter receives low frequency energy and converts it to high frequency energy for delivery to the implantable device, thereby eliminating pain and muscle contraction while maintaining energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The power adapter serves as an intermediary device between the external energy source and the implantable device. It receives low frequency energy, converts it to high frequency energy, and transmits it to the implant, thus mediating the energy transfer process to avoid harmful effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high frequency energy is transmitted to avoid pain and discomfort, then patient comfort is improved, but additional conversion circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is designed to interface with existing implantable devices that have pick-up electrodes, making it compatible with various device types. The adapter performs multiple functions including receiving energy, frequency conversion, and transmission to different implant configurations, thus reducing the need for custom solutions
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 power adapter effectively converts energy to a suitable frequency for implantable devices, minimizing pain and discomfort while enabling efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit is configured to (1) receive, transcutaneously from a power supply, a first energy, (2) convert the first energy to a second energy, and (3) transmit, to the pick-up electrode, the second energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a power adapter having a housing and a circuit at least partially disposed in the housing. The housing is configured to be coupled to an implantable device for disposition in a body. The circuit is configured to be electrically connected to a power circuit of the implantable device when the housing is coupled to the implantable electrical conductor. When the housing is coupled to the implantable electrical conductor and implanted in a body, the circuit is configured to (1) receive, transcutaneously from a power supply, a first energy, (2) convert the first energy to a second energy, and (3) transfer, to the implantable device, the second energy such that the second energy powers the implantable device.