Neuromodulation Capacitor Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in efficiently delivering neural stimulation therapy, particularly in maintaining quasi-constant current delivery due to varying impedance of the load, which affects battery energy usage and compliance voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrostimulation energy storage capacitor with a control circuit that measures and adjusts the voltage level to maintain quasi-constant current delivery by comparing the measured load current to a specified target value, optimizing energy use and minimizing overhead voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If voltage level is adjusted dynamically to maintain quasi-constant current delivery, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the actual current delivered to the load and dynamically adjusts the voltage level of the energy storage capacitor based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures quasi-constant current delivery despite varying load impedance, improving energy efficiency by preventing both under-delivery and over-delivery of current.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static voltage delivery to dynamic voltage adjustment. The control circuit modifies the voltage level in real-time based on measured current values, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions and maintain optimal energy efficiency throughout operation.
2Reliability
If quasi-constant current delivery is maintained across varying impedance, then therapy consistency improves, but voltage overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically to compensate for varying load impedance. By adjusting voltage in response to impedance changes, the system maintains consistent current delivery and therapy effectiveness while minimizing the voltage overhead required compared to fixed-voltage approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing excessive voltage to ensure current delivery under all conditions, the control circuit provides precisely the amount of voltage needed based on real-time measurements. This partial action approach delivers sufficient current for effective therapy without the energy waste associated with excessive voltage overhead.
3Measurement precision
If measured current is compared to target value for control adjustment, then current precision improves, but measurement and control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses the measurement system's own output to regulate itself. By comparing the measured current directly to the target value and automatically adjusting voltage accordingly, the system achieves precise current control without requiring external monitoring or complex multi-component control architectures.
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
This approach ensures efficient delivery of quasi-constant current neural stimulation therapy by dynamically adjusting the voltage level of the storage capacitor, thereby reducing energy consumption and maintaining effective therapy across varying load impedances, thus prolonging battery life and ensuring consistent treatment.
Implementation Method 1
electrostimulation energy storage capacitor that provides quasi-constant current neural stimulation through a load from the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises an electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a circuit path communicatively coupled to the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor and configured to provide quasi-constant current neural stimulation through a load from the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a current measuring circuit communicatively coupled to the circuit path and configured to obtain a measure of quasi-constant current delivered to the load, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the current measuring circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate adjustment of the voltage level of the storage capacitor for a subsequent delivery of quasi-constant current according to a comparison of the measured load current to a specified load current value.