Implantable RF Rectifier Circuit for Wireless Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable pulse generators (IPGs) require wired connections or inductive coupling for power and control, limiting their flexibility and efficacy in delivering electrical impulses to excitable tissues for various therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A wireless stimulation system that includes an implantable stimulator device with conductive antennas and internal circuitry for frequency waveform and energy rectification, powered remotely through radio frequency (RF) or microwave energy without cables or inductive coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections or inductive coupling are used for power and control in implantable pulse generators, then reliable power delivery and control are achieved, but flexibility and ease of operation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections and inductive coupling systems with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and control system. The implantable device receives power and control signals through RF or microwave electromagnetic fields transmitted through tissue, eliminating the need for physical cable connections or inductive coils, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining reliable power delivery
2Reliability
If wired connections are used for implantable pulse generators, then stable control is achieved, but invasiveness and patient safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical wired connections with wireless electromagnetic field transmission for both power delivery and control signals. This eliminates invasive cable penetrations into the device, reducing infection risks and tissue damage while maintaining stable control through RF/microwave field-based signal transmission that can be precisely modulated
3Ease of operation
If inductive coupling is used for power transmission, then wireless operation is achieved, but power efficiency and energy loss are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of power transmission from inductive coupling (magnetic field-based) to direct RF or microwave electromagnetic field transmission. This parameter change enables more efficient wireless power delivery through tissue by using frequencies and transmission modes optimized for penetrating biological tissue with minimal energy loss, rather than relying on near-field inductive coupling
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
Enables the delivery of electrical impulses to targeted nerve tissues for treating chronic pain, inflammation, and other disorders without the need for invasive connections, providing greater flexibility and safety in therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
powered remotely through radio frequency (RF) or microwave energy
Implementation Method 2
internal circuitry for frequency waveform and energy rectification
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit includes: a radio-frequency (RF) to direct current (DC) rectifying circuit coupled to one or more antenna on an implantable wirelessly powered device, the rectifying circuit configured to: rectify an input RF signal received at the one or more antennas and from an external controller through electric radiative coupling; and extract DC electric power and configuration data from the input RF signal; a logic control circuit connected to the rectifying circuit and a driving circuit, the logic control circuit configured to: generate a current for the driving circuit solely using the extracted DC electrical power; in accordance with the extracted configuration data, set polarity state information for each electrode; and a driving circuit coupled to one or more electrode, the driving circuit comprising current mirrors and being configured to: steer, to each electrode and via the current mirrors, a stimulating current solely from the generated current.