Integrated Output Driver for Dual-Mode Stimulation Pulses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in providing compact and efficient stimulation therapies, particularly for conditions like sleep disordered breathing and incontinence, due to the complexity of their stimulation circuitry and limited battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact stimulation circuitry that can operate in both voltage and current stimulation modes, utilizing fewer components and enabling faster implantation and longer battery life, while allowing for multiple therapeutic applications such as peripheral nerve stimulation and cardiac therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stimulation circuitry is used, then reliable voltage and current stimulation can be provided, but the device size increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage and current stimulation capabilities into a single integrated output signal driver circuit. The circuit uses a unified architecture with shared components (capacitors, switches, current sources) that can operate in either voltage mode or current mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each stimulation type. This merging reduces overall device volume while maintaining reliable stimulation delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The output signal driver is designed as a universal circuit capable of providing both voltage stimulation and current stimulation through the same hardware platform. The controller can selectively configure the circuit elements to deliver either voltage or current signals, making the device multi-functional without requiring additional components, thereby reducing device size while ensuring reliable stimulation for different therapeutic needs.
2Reliability
If traditional stimulation circuitry is used, then reliable voltage and current stimulation can be provided, but battery longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging voltage and current stimulation functions into a single circuit with shared energy storage and delivery components, the patent reduces redundant power consumption. The unified architecture allows efficient switching between modes and optimizes energy utilization from the battery, extending its longevity while maintaining reliable stimulation delivery for both voltage and current therapies.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically adjusts its operating parameters (voltage, current, timing) based on therapeutic requirements, optimizing energy consumption. By controlling the duration and intensity of stimulation pulses efficiently and selecting appropriate operating modes, the circuit maximizes battery utilization while ensuring reliable stimulation, thereby extending battery longevity.
3Reliability
If separate voltage and current stimulation circuits are used, then reliable stimulation can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate voltage and current stimulation circuits into a single integrated output signal driver. The circuit shares common components including capacitors, switches, current sources, and control logic, eliminating redundancy. This unified architecture reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver both voltage and current stimulation reliably through selective configuration of the shared elements.
4Reliability
If more components are used for reliable stimulation, then stimulation reliability improves, but implantation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple stimulation functions into a single integrated circuit with fewer components, the patent reduces the time required for device implantation. The unified architecture requires fewer connection points and simpler wiring, allowing faster surgical implantation while maintaining reliable voltage and current stimulation capabilities through the efficient design of the integrated circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
An output signal driver includes a positive output node, a negative output node, a power supply input node, a power supply common node, a charging capacitor, a discharging capacitor, a current source, a current sink, a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The charging capacitor is coupled to the power supply input node. The discharging capacitor is coupled to the negative output node. The current source is coupled between the power supply input node and the positive output node. The current sink is coupled between the positive output node and the power supply common node. The first switch is coupled in parallel with the current source. The second switch is coupled in parallel with the current sink. The controller is coupled to the current source, the current sink, the first switch, and the second switch to apply either complementary constant current pulses or complementary constant voltage pulses to the positive output node.