Energy-Efficient Waveforms for Neuromodulation Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical neuromodulation devices for treating neurologic conditions, such as brain injury and stroke, face challenges in prolonging battery life, as they require frequent surgical replacement when battery power is depleted.
Innovation Solution
The use of energy-efficient waveforms, such as non-rectangular waveforms like exponential decreasing, Gaussian, and linear waveforms, in electrical signals applied to neural sites, which reduce energy consumption and allow for continuous neuromodulation for over 7 years without battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional rectangular waveforms are used for neuromodulation, then effective neural activation is achieved, but energy consumption is high requiring frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveform parameter from rectangular to non-rectangular shapes (exponential, Gaussian, linear), which fundamentally alters the energy consumption characteristics while maintaining neural activation effectiveness. This parameter change enables extended battery operation without compromising therapeutic efficacy.
2Ease of manufacture
If rectangular waveforms are used, then simple waveform generation is maintained, but charge injection is high reducing device lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the waveform shape parameters to reduce charge injection while maintaining activation effectiveness. The non-rectangular waveforms deliver the necessary neural stimulation with lower total charge, thereby extending device lifetime without requiring complex additional components.
3Reliability
If higher charge injection is used for neural activation, then effective neuromodulation is achieved, but battery depletes faster requiring surgical replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the waveform parameters to achieve the minimum necessary charge injection for effective neuromodulation. By using non-rectangular waveforms, the system delivers efficient neural activation with reduced energy waste, extending battery operation to over 7 years without surgical intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.