Neurostimulator Implantable Pulse Generator Wireless Power Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable therapy systems face limitations in the number of electrodes due to high impedance conduction paths and space constraints, leading to increased power requirements, reduced battery life, and higher device failure rates.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulator system with a pulse generator module and power source module, where the pulse generator module is implanted and receives wireless power from an external source, featuring a flexible stimulation lead with a selection circuit and integrated switching array to connect multiple electrodes efficiently, reducing the need for multiple conductors and minimizing impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrodes is increased to improve stimulation selectivity and directionality, then the ability to shape current delivery to tissue volume is improved, but the number of conductors required increases leading to space constraints and higher impedance
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode outputs are combined into a single conductor through the use of a multiplexer circuit. The multiplexer allows one conductor to sequentially connect to multiple electrodes, reducing the total number of conductors needed while maintaining the ability to stimulate multiple electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time dimension to the electrode connections by using sequential switching. Instead of requiring simultaneous connections to all electrodes through separate conductors, the system uses a single conductor that switches between electrodes over time, effectively adding a temporal dimension to resolve the spatial constraint.
2Quantity of substance
If smaller diameter conductors are used to accommodate higher density electrodes, then the number of electrodes can be increased, but impedance increases and power output requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple high-impedance electrode connections are merged into a single low-impedance conductor path. By using a multiplexer to switch between electrodes on a single conductor, the system benefits from the lower impedance of the larger diameter conductor while still being able to drive multiple electrodes.
3Quantity of substance
If smaller diameter conductors are used to accommodate higher density electrodes, then the number of electrodes can be increased, but battery life decreases or larger batteries are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple electrode drives into a single conductor, reducing the total power consumption. Since power loss is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance of the conductor, using a single larger diameter conductor significantly reduces power loss compared to multiple smaller conductors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more conductors are used to connect increased number of electrodes, then electrode connectivity is improved, but the connector can accommodate only a limited number of contacts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode connections are merged into a single conductor that interfaces with a single connector contact. The multiplexer circuit enables one physical connection to provide access to multiple electrodes, effectively decoupling the number of electrodes from the number of connector contacts required.
5Quantity of substance
If smaller diameter conductor wire is used for higher density electrodes, then electrode density is improved, but flex life and strength are reduced leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thin conductor paths are merged into a single thicker conductor. This consolidation improves the mechanical properties of the lead, including flex life and strength, while maintaining the ability to drive multiple electrodes through electronic switching rather than requiring multiple physical conductor paths.
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 solution allows for a higher density of electrodes with reduced impedance, increased reliability, and extended battery life by wirelessly powering the implantable device, thereby enhancing the safety and convenience of the therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a neurostimulator system includes a pulse generator module and a power source and control module. The pulse generator module includes an electrical stimulation lead and electrodes and is configured to be implanted within a body of a subject, to provide a therapy to the subject, and to receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module. And the power source and control module is configured to be located external to the body of the subject, to cause the pulse generator module to affect the therapy, and to provide power wirelessly to the pulse generator module.