Neural Stimulator Feedback Voltage Control for Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation devices face inefficiencies in power usage, leading to reduced battery life due to excessive power dissipation in current mirrors, especially when the stimulation voltage exceeds the required tissue voltage, resulting in wasted energy and frequent battery recharging.
Innovation Solution
A neural stimulation device that employs a voltage converter to control the voltage applied to the electrode based on measured nervous responses, avoiding the inefficiencies of current control and compensating for impedance variations, thereby reducing power loss and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a voltage converter is used to control the voltage applied to the electrode based on measured nervous response, then energy efficiency is improved and battery life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the voltage converter adjusts the voltage applied to the electrode based on measured nervous responses. The system measures the nervous response, compares it to a target response, and dynamically adjusts the voltage to maintain optimal stimulation while minimizing energy consumption. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling energy-efficient operation through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic voltage adjustment rather than fixed voltage delivery. The voltage converter dynamically changes the output voltage based on real-time nervous response measurements and tissue impedance changes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption, thereby improving battery life despite the added complexity of the voltage converter circuitry.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If voltage converter is implemented to reduce power dissipation, then battery life is extended, but device complexity and power loss management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the voltage converter to optimize power delivery. By adjusting the voltage output based on tissue impedance and nervous response measurements, the system minimizes power dissipation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. The voltage converter operates at optimized parameters that reduce energy waste, thereby extending battery life without requiring overly complex power management circuits.
3Loss of energy
If voltage control is used instead of current control, then power efficiency is improved, but adaptability to impedance variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to measure nervous responses and automatically adjusts the voltage output to compensate for tissue impedance variations. The system continuously monitors the nervous response and modifies the voltage delivery in real-time, maintaining adaptability to changing tissue conditions while preserving the power efficiency benefits of voltage control over current control.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter system performs self-adjustment based on measured nervous responses. The system automatically compensates for impedance changes without requiring external intervention or complex current regulation circuitry. This self-service capability maintains adaptability while keeping the power management relatively simple and efficient.
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 energy efficiency, prolongs battery life, and maintains desired neural responses by directly controlling voltage, reducing power dissipation and accommodating changes in tissue impedance and posture.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter to receive the electrical energy from the battery and to control a voltage applied to the electrode based on the measured nervous response of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
a battery to supply electrical energy at a battery voltage
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a device for applying a neural stimulus. A battery supplies electrical energy at a battery voltage and an electrode applies the electrical energy to neural tissue. A circuit measures the nervous response of the tissue and a voltage converter receives the electrical energy from the battery and controls a voltage applied to the electrode based on the measured nervous response of the tissue. This direct voltage control is energy efficient because losses across a typical current mirror are avoided. Further, the control based on the measured nervous response leads to automatic compensation of impedance variation due to in-growth or change in posture. As a result, the stimulation results in a desired neural response.