Implantable Neurostimulator Memory Control for RF Link Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency based neural stimulation systems face issues with real-time operation complexity, increased size, and unreliable communication, leading to treatment interruptions and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An implantable neurostimulator with a built-in main control chip that receives electrical energy and control signals from an extracorporeal energy controller via RF, incorporating a main CPU, memory, and digital-to-analog conversion circuit, enabling independent operation and storage of treatment parameters, ensuring reliable communication and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If real-time communication is implemented between extracorporeal energy controller and implantable neurostimulator, then power supply and control signals can be provided continuously, but communication reliability deteriorates when the controller is away from or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable neurostimulator stores treatment parameters and control signals in advance in its built-in memory before communication disruption occurs. This preliminary storage of operational data enables the device to continue functioning autonomously when the extracorporeal controller is unavailable, thus maintaining continuous operation while compensating for communication reliability issues.
2Productivity
If dual frequency operating mode is adopted to enable real-time operation, then power and control signals can be transmitted simultaneously, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates power transmission and control signal transmission into distinct functional modules. The extracorporeal energy controller handles power transmission through one RF channel, while the implantable neurostimulator's main control chip processes control signals and stores treatment parameters in memory. This segmentation allows real-time operation without requiring complex dual-frequency simultaneous transmission, thereby reducing system complexity and manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If treatment parameters are stored externally and require real-time communication, then parameter updates are possible, but treatment interruptions occur during communication disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable neurostimulator is equipped with built-in memory that autonomously stores treatment parameters and control signals. The main control chip can independently retrieve and execute these stored parameters without requiring real-time external communication. This self-service capability ensures treatment continuity during communication disruptions while maintaining the ability to update parameters when communication is available.
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 implantable neurostimulator ensures reliable treatment by storing treatment parameters and energy, allowing independent operation and reducing treatment interruptions, even during communication disruptions, thus improving safety and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the implantable neurostimulator conducts radio frequency communication and energy transmission with an extracorporeal energy controller
Implementation Method 2
a rectification energy storage circuit connected to the impedance matching circuit and the main control chip respectively, so as to extract electrical energy from the received input signal and store electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable neurostimulator that communicates with an extracorporeal energy controller through radio frequency and receives electrical energy, including: a main control chip that includes a main control CPU, a main memory, and a digital to analog conversion current source circuit; a stimulator antenna and its impedance matching circuit, which are radio-frequency coupled with the extracorporeal energy controller; a rectification energy storage circuit that extracts electrical energy from the received input signal and stores electrical energy; a modulation/demodulation circuit that extracts control information including clinical stimulation parameters from the received input signal; an electrode interface; one or more stimulation electrodes, with the electrode interface allocating stimulation pulse sequences to each corresponding stimulation electrode; wherein the main memory stores the received control information, the digital to analog conversion current source circuit generates the stimulation pulse sequences based on the clinical stimulation parameters, and the main control CPU controls operation of the implantable neurostimulator. The implantable neurostimulator of the present invention can avoid treatment failure caused by interruption or obstruction of radio frequency communication.