Implantable Pulse Generator Autonomous Signal Generation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal cord stimulators face challenges with high power consumption, requiring frequent recharging and limited ability to generate diverse stimulation patterns simultaneously, making it difficult to effectively treat varying pain levels across different body areas.

Innovation Solution

An implantable pulse generator (IPG) with a programmable signal generator that can operate without processor intervention, featuring control registers for storing stimulation parameters, an arbitrator to manage channel activation, and a timing generator and high frequency generator for flexible modulation of stimulation signals, allowing for independent amplitude control and simultaneous treatment of multiple areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the implantable pulse generator uses processor-controlled signal generation, then the device can flexibly control stimulation patterns, but the battery power consumption increases requiring frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation pattern control flexibilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal generation function from the processor control function. The programmable signal generator is configured to generate stimulation signals autonomously based on pre-stored parameters, while the processor only handles parameter storage and occasional updates. This segmentation allows the processor to enter low-power states while the signal generator continues autonomous operation, resolving the contradiction between flexible control and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming multiple stimulation signal parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, channel combinations) into memory before operation. The programmable signal generator retrieves and executes these pre-configured parameters without requiring real-time processor intervention, enabling flexible stimulation patterns while minimizing active processing and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the implantable pulse generator uses programmable signal generator with pre-stored parameters, then battery power consumption decreases, but the ability to concurrently generate different stimulation patterns for different body parts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidconcurrent stimulation pattern generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by configuring the programmable signal generator to store and execute multiple different stimulation signal parameters in memory. Each parameter set corresponds to different stimulation patterns for different body regions. The generator can switch between these pre-configured patterns and can concurrently activate multiple channels with different parameters, enabling treatment of multiple pain areas simultaneously while maintaining autonomous low-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the implantable pulse generator activates multiple stimulation channels simultaneously, then multiple pain areas can be treated, but the power supply may be overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-area pain treatment capabilityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing an arbitration mechanism that selectively activates stimulation channels based on pre-configured priority levels and power availability. When multiple channels are programmed, the arbitrator evaluates power constraints and activates only the necessary subset of channels, ensuring that the power supply is not overloaded while still providing effective treatment for multiple pain areas through intelligent channel selection rather than simultaneous full-power activation of all channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10080896B2Implantable pulse generator that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 CIRTEC MEDICAL CORP

AI summary

An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.