Neurostimulation Programmer Antenna Radiation Pattern Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation programmers experience poor communication with implanted pulse generators due to inefficient RF antenna radiation patterns, resulting in suboptimal communication and potentially ineffective treatment of chronic pain.
Innovation Solution
The programmer's antenna is positioned relative to the ground plane such that when handheld, the radiation pattern has maximum RF radiation directed towards the patient, ensuring improved communication between the programmer and the implanted pulse generator, even with low maximum transmit power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is positioned in a conventional location on the programmer housing, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the RF radiation pattern is inefficient and communication with the implanted pulse generator is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the antenna at a specific location on the housing (opposite the display screen) to create an optimized radiation pattern. This localized structural modification improves RF communication efficacy without requiring complex system-level changes, achieving reliable communication while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the maximum transmit power is kept low to comply with regulatory standards, then patient safety is ensured, but communication range and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of antenna positioning rather than increasing power. By optimizing the antenna's location on the housing opposite the display screen, the radiation pattern is improved to direct more RF energy toward the patient's body, achieving reliable communication at low transmit powers that comply with safety standards.
3Reliability
If the antenna radiation pattern is optimized to direct maximum RF radiation toward the patient, then communication efficacy is improved, but the antenna positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the antenna at a specific asymmetric location on the housing (opposite the display screen) rather than using a symmetric or centralized placement. This asymmetric positioning creates an optimized radiation pattern that directs RF energy toward the patient, achieving improved communication efficacy while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward structural solution.
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 configuration enhances communication efficacy by maximizing RF radiation and gain towards the patient, improving the effectiveness of neurostimulation programming and treatment, regardless of who is holding the programmer.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation pattern produced by the antenna has substantially maximum RF radiation and substantially maximum gain generally directed toward the patient
Data Source
AI summary
To provide for an improvement in the communication between an external handheld programmer and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) implanted within a patient or an external pulse generator attached to the patient, an antenna of the programmer is positioned relative to the ground plane of the programmer such that when a person handholds the programmer in its predetermined intended orientation a radiation pattern produced by the antenna has substantially maximum RF radiation generally directed toward the patient, regardless whether the person that handholds the programmer is the patient or another person located near the patient.