Passive Wireless Implant Stimulator With Selective Multi-Channel Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless stimulators are limited in their ability to provide multi-channel therapy due to power requirements and complexity, which restricts their spatial diversity and therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A passive wireless multi-channel stimulator that uses RF energy harvesting and a minimal number of active components, such as an ultra-low power data slicer and shift register, to selectively activate stimulation channels through pulse-width-modulated wake-up signals, eliminating the need for a battery and allowing for on-demand channel activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless stimulators use battery power to enable multi-channel operation, then the spatial diversity and therapeutic applications are enhanced, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery component from the wireless stimulator system. By using RF energy harvesting to power the device, the complex battery management system, power regulation circuits, and associated components are removed, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-channel operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The RF energy harvesting circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the power source for the entire device, provides wireless communication capability, and enables multi-channel stimulation operation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and device complexity compared to battery-powered systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless stimulators activate all stimulation channels simultaneously, then therapeutic coverage is maximized, but the power consumption exceeds harvested energy availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel activation where stimulation channels are activated and deactivated based on real-time therapeutic needs and available harvested energy. The system can dynamically adjust which channels are active, allowing flexible therapeutic coverage optimization while maintaining power consumption within the limits of RF energy harvesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the necessary subset of stimulation channels required for effective therapy rather than all available channels. This partial action approach ensures that power consumption remains within the available harvested energy budget while still providing adequate therapeutic coverage for the specific application
3Device complexity
If passive components are used for energy harvesting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively activate specific channels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple channel selection circuit that acts as an intermediary between the RF energy harvesting circuit and the stimulation channels. This circuit uses basic components like switches or multiplexers controlled by decoded address signals to selectively route power and activation signals to specific channels, enabling selective activation without significantly increasing overall device 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
Enables efficient, battery-free operation with selective channel activation, enhancing spatial diversity and therapeutic applications by harnessing energy from wireless signals for powering stimulation channels.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless reception element, for receiving power wirelessly through tissue of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier for rectifying an alternating current (AC) signal received from the wireless reception element
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless multi-channel implantable device. In some embodiments, the system includes: a wireless reception element, for receiving power wirelessly through tissue of a subject; a power management and storage circuit, for storing a portion of the received power; and a control circuit for controlling the delivery of current from the power management and storage circuit to each of a plurality of stimulation electrodes individually, based on a modulation of the received power.