Implantable Device Power Transfer via Anticipated Square Wave Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implanted medical devices face insulation breaches and corrosion, leading to unregulated voltage exposure and device failure, with size constraints limiting the use of discrete components for stable power supply.
Innovation Solution
A system with a first and second unit implanted in a patient, connected by a cable, where the first unit supplies a square current waveform with intermittent polarity changes, and a processor anticipates the second unit's actions to adjust the current output, using a push-pull circuit for current limitation and series capacitors to balance charge, ensuring minimal current flow through biological tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If discrete components are used for stable power supply in implanted devices, then power supply stability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply circuitry with the signal processing circuitry into a single integrated circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate discrete power supply components, thereby maintaining power supply stability while reducing the overall device size. The unified circuit design allows for compact implantable devices without compromising electrical stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If continuous current is supplied to ensure adequate power delivery, then power availability is improved, but risk of unregulated voltage exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polarity reversal in the current supply waveform. The current switches between positive and negative polarities in a controlled manner, which prevents accumulation of charge and eliminates the risk of unregulated voltage exposure. This periodic action maintains adequate power delivery while ensuring safety through balanced charge transfer over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates monitoring circuitry that detects insulation breaches and corrosion conditions in real-time. When abnormal conditions are detected, the system automatically adjusts or terminates current flow to prevent harmful effects. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is delivered adequately during normal operation while preventing unregulated voltage exposure when faults occur.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polarity of current is reversed frequently to prevent charge imbalance, then safety is improved, but power delivery stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs controlled periodic polarity reversal at optimized intervals that balance charge balance requirements with power delivery stability. By timing the polarity switches to occur during periods of minimal power demand or when charge accumulation is most critical, the system maintains stable power delivery while preventing charge imbalance. The periodic action is synchronized with the device's operational cycle to minimize disruption to power delivery.
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 system reduces the risk of unregulated current flow and device failure by anticipating and adjusting power delivery, minimizing size constraints through efficient use of integrated circuitry and eliminating net DC, thus enhancing safety and longevity of implanted devices.
Implementation Method 1
a current supply unit that supplies a selected current output to the second unit via the cable, wherein the current output is a square current waveform having intermittent transitions of polarity
Implementation Method 2
The second unit may comprise a rectifier to rectify the current output received via the cable to power the second unit
Implementation Method 3
The stimulus controller may comprise means for current limitation such that a current to the one or more electrodes is negligible unless the received control information specifies stimulation by the one or more electrodes. The means for current limitation may comprise a push-pull circuit.
Implementation Method 4
The system may comprise means for reducing a charge imbalance between the first unit and the second unit including for example at least one capacitor connected in series between the current supply unit and the cable
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
A system for transferring data and power between electronic devices implanted in a patient is described. The system comprises a first unit and a second unit that in use are both implanted in the patient and a cable connecting the first unit and the second unit. The first unit comprises a current supply unit that supplies a selected current output to the second unit via the cable and a processor configured to anticipate an action to be performed by the second unit and to select the current output dependent on the anticipated action.