Implantable Pulse Generator Autonomous Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulators face challenges with high power consumption and limited ability to generate diverse stimulation patterns simultaneously, making it difficult to effectively treat pain across different body areas.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator with a programmable signal generator that can operate without processor intervention, featuring control registers for stimulation channels, an arbitrator to prevent simultaneous channel activation, and high frequency generators for flexible pulse parameter programming, allowing for independent amplitude control and burst frequency modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor continuously controls signal generation, then stimulation patterns can be dynamically adjusted, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-programs multiple stimulation patterns and parameters into memory before implantation. The processor loads only the necessary pattern data into registers before signal generation begins, allowing the signal generator to operate autonomously without continuous processor intervention. This preliminary preparation enables dynamic pattern switching while minimizing ongoing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator is designed to autonomously generate stimulation signals based on pre-loaded parameters without requiring continuous processor control. The generator self-manages the signal output using stored patterns, reducing the processing burden and power consumption while maintaining the ability to switch between different stimulation patterns when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation channels operate simultaneously, then pain in different body areas can be treated concurrently, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables selective activation of stimulation channels based on patient needs. Rather than all channels operating continuously, the system activates only the specific channels required for treating particular pain areas at given times. This partial action approach provides multi-area pain treatment capability while consuming power only when and where necessary.
3Reliability
If the generator uses high power output, then effective pain relief is achieved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator delivers stimulation in controlled periodic pulses rather than continuous high-power output. By timing the delivery of high-power stimulation pulses to coincide with specific physiological windows and using inter-pulse intervals, the system maintains effective pain relief while allowing the battery to recharge between pulses, thereby extending overall battery life.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body includes a timing generator and high frequency generator. The timing generator generates timing signals that represent stimulation signals for multiple channels. The high frequency generator determines whether to modulate the timing signals and modulates them at a burst frequency according to stored burst parameters if the decision is yes. As such, the IPG provides the ability to generate both the low frequency and high frequency stimulation signals in different channels according to user programming.