Wireless Neural Modulator Power Transfer via Antenna Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and hypertension lack efficient and non-invasive solutions for modulating nerves to effectively manage these conditions, with existing treatments often being cumbersome or invasive.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for communicating between an implantable neural modulator and an external unit, using a processor and antenna to deliver power in varying modes to an implant circuit near nerves, allowing for efficient modulation of nerve activity through electrical signals, including stimulation and inhibition, to treat conditions like sleep apnea, headaches, and hypertension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implantable neural modulators are used to treat sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and hypertension, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: an implantable neural modulator that delivers therapy and an external unit that provides communication and power transfer. This segmentation allows the implantable device to remain simple while achieving effective treatment through the combined system.
Solution Approach 2:
An external unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the implantable device, handling complex functions such as communication protocol management, power transfer coordination, and therapy programming, thereby simplifying the implantable device design.
2Reliability
If implantable neural modulators are used to modulate nerve activity, then treatment outcomes are improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source and communication interface are extracted from the implantable device and placed in an external unit, reducing the invasiveness of the implantable component while maintaining treatment effectiveness through the external components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power is delivered to implant circuit in varying modes, then energy efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the external unit monitors power transfer conditions and adjusts power delivery modes accordingly, optimizing energy efficiency while managing control complexity through intelligent algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system dynamically switches between different power modes (inductive and capacitive coupling) based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to optimize energy efficiency for each operating scenario.
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 solution enables efficient and non-invasive modulation of nerve activity, improving treatment outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and hypertension by effectively managing symptoms with reduced invasiveness and increased patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A device and method for communicating between an implantable neural modulator and an external unit, using a processor and antenna to deliver power in varying modes to an implant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna.