Multi-Stimulation Engine Circuit for Collision-Free Neuromodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable pulse generators (IPGs) face challenges in efficiently delivering multiple stimulation therapies without channel contention or electrical collisions, particularly when multiple stimulation engines require simultaneous usage of the same electrodes or different voltage multiplier settings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implantable medical device (IMD) with multiple stimulation engines (SEs) and selectively connectable power supply circuitry, featuring a voltage multiplier (VM), switching circuitry, and digital control logic to independently control each SE, allowing independent stimulation or discharge of electrode sets without channel contention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple stimulation engines share a common voltage multiplier, then device complexity is reduced, but channel contention and electrical collisions occur when multiple engines require simultaneous usage of the same electrodes or different voltage settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the voltage multiplier functionality by providing separate voltage multiplier circuits for each stimulation engine. This allows each engine to have dedicated voltage generation capabilities, eliminating channel contention when multiple engines operate simultaneously with different voltage requirements. The segmentation of power supply architecture resolves the conflict between shared resources and independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching circuitry as an intermediary component that manages power distribution between multiple stimulation engines. The switching circuitry acts as a mediator that can selectively connect different voltage multipliers to different engines based on operational requirements, preventing electrical collisions while maintaining system coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation engines operate independently, then simultaneous delivery of multiple therapies is enabled, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each stimulation engine is designed as a universal module capable of delivering multiple therapy types through independently controllable electrode configurations. The engines can be selectively activated based on therapeutic needs, providing multi-functionality at the engine level while maintaining a standardized architecture that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through switching circuitry that can selectively activate or deactivate individual stimulation engines based on real-time therapeutic requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between single-engine and multi-engine operation modes, balancing versatility with power consumption and device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single voltage multiplier is used for all stimulation engines, then power efficiency is improved, but electrical collisions occur when engines require different voltage settings simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply architecture is segmented into multiple independent voltage multiplier circuits, each dedicated to a specific stimulation engine. This segmentation eliminates electrical collisions by providing isolated voltage generation paths, allowing each engine to operate with its required voltage settings without interfering with other engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements independent voltage parameter control for each stimulation engine through dedicated voltage multipliers. Each engine can operate with optimized voltage parameters specific to its therapeutic function, eliminating the need to compromise voltage settings due to shared resource constraints.
4Volume of moving object
If stimulation engines share common power supply circuitry, then device size is reduced, but channel contention prevents simultaneous operation of multiple therapies
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuitry is segmented into multiple independent voltage multiplier units, each assigned to a specific stimulation engine. This segmentation enables simultaneous operation of multiple therapies by providing dedicated power paths, while the modular architecture keeps individual component sizes small, allowing compact integration within the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested modular architecture where multiple stimulation engines with their associated voltage multipliers are integrated within a compact implantable housing. The nested structure allows multiple functional units to be packed efficiently, maintaining small overall device size while enabling simultaneous multi-therapy operation through independent engine control.
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 simultaneous delivery of multiple stimulation therapies to different areas of the patient's tissue without channel collisions, providing flexible and efficient stimulation settings for spinal cord stimulation (SCS), neuromuscular, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and other therapies.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage multiplier (VM) configured to generate an adjustable target voltage at an output node based on a voltage supplied by the power supply
Implementation Method 2
first switching circuitry to switchably connect an anodic node of the SE to a VM connection node driven by the output node and second switching circuitry to switchably connect a cathodic node of the SE to a current sink circuit
Implementation Method 3
Discharge switching circuitry may be disposed between the anodic and cathodic nodes of each SE
Implementation Method 4
a current sink circuit switchably coupled to the cathodic node; second switching circuitry configured to actuate switchable coupling between the current sink circuit and the cathodic node
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) (102, 150) includes multiple stimulation engines (SEs) (402-i) for independently stimulating respective electrode sets of a lead system (106A/B, 186). A voltage multiplier (VM) (302) is configured to generate an adjustable target voltage at an output node (304). Each stimulation engine (402-i) includes first switching circuitry (452) to switchably connect an anodic node (456) of the SE (402-i) to a VM connection node (450) driven by the output node (304) and second switching circuitry (434) to switchably connect a cathodic node (458) of the SE (402-i) to a current sink circuit (422). Discharge switching circuitry (472) may be disposed between the anodic and cathodic nodes (456, 458) of each SE (402-i). A selector (408) and associated digital control logic block (404) are operative to generate control signals (405A, 405B) for independently controlling respective SEs (402-i) such that each SE may be activated to stimulate or discharge a corresponding select set of electrodes (412) independently from or in concert with remaining SEs.