Neurostimulation Electrode Charging via Capacitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation devices face challenges in concurrent battery charging and electrode pad storage, requiring device disassembly and increasing the risk of user error and incorrect maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation therapy system with integrated battery charging circuitry that allows for simultaneous battery charging and electrode pad storage through capacitive coupling using series DC-blocking capacitors, enabling convenient maintenance and reducing the need for device reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device requires disassembly for battery charging and electrode pad storage, then dedicated charging and storage functions can be provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines battery charging and electrode pad storage functions into a single integrated docking station. The docking station includes charging contacts that electrically connect to the device's battery terminals, and a storage compartment for electrode pads, allowing both maintenance tasks to be performed simultaneously without device disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is designed to perform multiple functions: battery charging through electrical contacts, electrode pad storage in a dedicated compartment, and device docking alignment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate charging devices and storage containers, reducing operational steps.
2Productivity
If concurrent battery charging and electrode pad storage is implemented, then maintenance efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically docks with the charging station when placed in the correct position, utilizing gravity and mechanical alignment features. The docking station automatically detects the device presence and initiates charging through electrical contacts, eliminating the need for manual connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual disassembly and reassembly mechanical operations with a simple docking mechanism. The device is maintained in a sealed state throughout the process, with all charging and storage functions accessed through the docking interface, reducing mechanical complexity.
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 system facilitates efficient and error-reduced maintenance by allowing concurrent battery charging and electrode pad storage without device disassembly, ensuring proper device readiness for subsequent use.
Implementation Method 1
battery charging circuitry configured for being capacitively coupled via the first and second neurostimulation output terminals for charging the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A transcutaneous neurostimulation therapy system can include an electrostimulation electronics unit, including first and second neurostimulation output which can be respectively coupled to first and second neurostimulation skin electrodes, and the electrostimulation electronics unit can include or be coupled to a rechargeable battery. The transcutaneous neurostimulation therapy system can also include battery charging circuitry configured for being coupled via the first and second neurostimulation output terminals to the electrostimulation electronics unit for charging the battery of the electrostimulation electronics unit through the first and second neurostimulation skin electrodes.