Miniaturized Implantable Voltage Sensor Using Optical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable voltage sensors are too large for physiological experiments due to the integration of data linking, powering, and sensing components, limiting their applicability in biomedical applications.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized voltage sensing apparatus comprising a semiconductor substrate with metal contacts, circuitry, a laser transmitter, and a power module, which converts voltage waveforms into electromagnetic radiation for transmission, allowing for reduced size and low power consumption, enabling bioimplantable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If implantable voltage sensors integrate data linking, powering, and sensing components, then functionality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing electrodes, circuitry, laser transmitter, and power module into a single integrated implantable device on a small substrate (4000x1000 micrometers or less), merging multiple functions into one compact unit that can be implanted in behaving animals
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: voltage sensing through metal contacts, signal processing through circuitry, wireless data transmission through laser transmitter, and power supply through power module, making it a universal implantable platform for physiological experiments
2Volume of moving object
If implantable sensors are miniaturized for physiological experiments, then device size is reduced, but integration of components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules (sensing electrodes, circuitry, laser transmitter, power module) that are independently designed and then integrated on a compact substrate, allowing each component to be optimized separately while maintaining overall miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional substrate utilization and vertical stacking of components to achieve miniaturization, fitting all necessary components within a footprint of 4000x1000 micrometers and height of 200 micrometers or less
3Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is implemented for data linking, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical or radio frequency wireless transmission with optical transmission using a laser transmitter, which provides wireless data linking while potentially reducing power consumption through more efficient optical coupling and transmission
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 apparatus achieves a significant reduction in size and power consumption, making it suitable for biomedical applications, such as measuring body functions or characterizing diseases in tissue, while maintaining robustness and biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an output, comprising a laser transmitter, on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage sensing apparatus on a semiconductor substrate, including one or more inputs comprising metal contacts, an output comprising a laser transmitter, circuitry electrically connecting and interfacing the inputs to the output; and a power module. A method of fabricating the apparatus is also described.