Implantable Neural Stimulator Header for Charge Coil Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable neural stimulation devices face challenges in maintaining optimal positioning and efficiency of the charge coil for transcutaneous inductive charging, which affects battery charging efficacy and device durability, while also causing unwanted side effects due to improper stimulus intensity.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a support component within the header to maintain the charge coil in a preferred position, supported by a contact assembly, ensuring effective charging and reducing side effects by controlling stimulus intensity within therapeutic ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the charge coil is positioned to optimize transcutaneous inductive charging, then charging efficacy is improved, but the charge coil may be obscured by other components reducing charging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a header containing the charge coil for wireless charging, a body containing the battery and stimulation electronics, and a footer. This segmentation allows the charge coil to be positioned optimally for charging while being separated from other components that might obscure it, resolving the contradiction between charging efficacy and component arrangement complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge coil is positioned in the header at a specific height above the device surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to avoid obscuration by other components. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the charge coil to maintain optimal positioning for transcutaneous inductive charging while being physically separated from components in the body and footer sections.
2Reliability
If stimulus intensity is increased above recruitment threshold to ensure therapeutic effect, then pain relief is improved, but uncomfortable sensations arise due to over-recruitment of Aβ fibres
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation device incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors neural responses and adjusts stimulus intensity in real-time. This feedback control allows the device to maintain stimulus intensity within the therapeutic range—above the recruitment threshold for pain relief but below the comfort threshold to avoid uncomfortable sensations—by continuously adapting to patient responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including intensity, frequency, and pulse width based on therapeutic requirements and patient feedback. This parameter optimization ensures that stimulus intensity remains within the therapeutic window, achieving effective pain relief while avoiding over-recruitment of Aβ fibres that causes uncomfortable sensations.
3Productivity
If the charge coil form and position are maintained for efficient charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but securing the charge coil position adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The charge coil is pre-positioned and secured in the header during device assembly, establishing its optimal position before the device is implanted. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the charge coil maintains its optimal form and position for efficient transcutaneous inductive charging throughout the device lifespan, eliminating the need for complex position maintenance mechanisms during use.
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 enhances charging efficiency and maintains stimulus intensity within therapeutic limits, improving device performance and patient comfort by minimizing unwanted sensations.
Implementation Method 1
The charge coil is configured to charge a battery of the electronics module via transcutaneous electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable neural stimulation device is provided, comprising a body containing stimulation electronics, and a battery to provide stimulation energy, a lid, coupled to the body, the lid configured to at least partially seal the body and a header coupled to the body of the device. The header comprises a contact assembly electrically coupled to the stimulation electronics via at least one feedthrough wire extending through the lid, the contact assembly configured to connect to a stimulation lead to deliver the stimulation energy from the battery under control by the stimulation electronics, a charge coil configured to charge the battery, and a support component configured to support the charge coil. The support component is supported in position by the contact assembly.