Implantable Pulse Generator with Autonomous Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulators face challenges with high power consumption, requiring frequent recharging and limited ability to generate diverse stimulation patterns for treating pain across different body areas simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator with a programmable signal generator that can operate without processor intervention, featuring control registers for storing stimulation parameters, an arbitrator for managing channel activation, and a timing and high frequency generator for modulating signals, allowing for flexible generation of both low and high frequency stimulation patterns across multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor continuously controls signal generation, then the stimulation patterns can be flexibly adjusted, but the battery power is consumed rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by separating the processor from the signal generation. The programmable signal generator operates autonomously using pre-stored parameters, while the processor only handles high-level control and parameter updates. This segmentation allows the signal generation to continue without continuous processor intervention, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining flexibility through programmable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable signal generator is designed to self-generate stimulation signals based on pre-programmed parameters stored in memory. Once parameters are set by the processor, the signal generator autonomously produces the appropriate waveforms without requiring continuous processor control. This self-service capability eliminates the need for constant processor involvement in signal generation, thereby conserving battery power.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the generator produces multiple stimulation patterns simultaneously, then different body areas can be treated, but the power supply becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic multiplexing of stimulation channels, where different body areas are treated in sequential periods rather than simultaneously. The programmable signal generator can switch between different stimulation patterns and electrode configurations in a time-multiplexed manner. This periodic action allows the system to provide comprehensive multi-area treatment capability while keeping the instantaneous power demand within the supply capacity by activating only one channel at a time.
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. The high frequency generator can also independently control the pulse frequency of each channel according to the stored parameters. As such, the IPG provides the ability to generate both the low frequency and high frequency stimulation signals at different frequencies in different channels according to user programming in order to provide maximum flexibility in treatment.