Multielectrode Probe Switching With Non-Volatile Electrode Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active implantable medical devices with multielectrode probes face challenges in energy consumption, compatibility with different generators, and the need for reprogramming of stimulation configurations, particularly due to the use of volatile switches and the requirement for continuous power supply to maintain electrode configurations.
Innovation Solution
A controlled electrode switching module with non-volatile memory components and complementary volatile switches that retain configuration states even without power, allowing for bipolar or unipolar stimulation configurations compatible with any generator, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If volatile switches are used to control electrode connections, then the device can be manufactured with simpler circuitry and lower cost, but continuous power supply is required to maintain configuration, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by programming the non-volatile memory component with the desired electrode configuration before the device is implanted. This pre-programming allows the configuration to be retained without continuous power, eliminating the need for volatile memory and reducing energy consumption while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If non-volatile memory components are used to store configuration data, then energy consumption is reduced by eliminating continuous power requirements, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power maintenance function from the memory system by using non-volatile memory that inherently retains data without power. This eliminates the need for continuous power supply circuits, charge pumps, and complex power management logic, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding non-volatile memory.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is disconnected from the generator, then patient safety is improved by allowing probe removal, but the stimulation configuration is lost and reprogramming is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing the electrode configuration in non-volatile memory before disconnection occurs. This ensures the configuration is preserved during probe removal and can be quickly reactivated upon reconnection, eliminating reprogramming time and maintaining patient safety.
4Reliability
If multiple electrodes are provided for multisite stimulation, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved by optimizing stimulation sites, but the complexity of managing electrode connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the non-volatile memory with the optimal electrode configuration determined during device implantation. This stored configuration automatically manages the multiple electrode connections, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while simplifying ongoing connection management without requiring complex real-time control circuits.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The switching module (40, 42) makes it possible to connect a detection/stimulation electrode (28, 30) of the probe to one or the other of the conductors (36, 38) of a bifilar line. This module comprises two volatile controlled switches (52, 54), for example complementary MOS, associated with at least one programmable non-volatile memory component (68, 70), for example a suspended nanotube cell or a magnetic tunnel junction cell , having in the absence of electrical power supply two previously programmed stable states. Each of these stable states controls a corresponding open or closed state of the volatile controlled switches (52, 54). A maximum-minimum generator circuit (58) is coupled at the input to the conductors, and at the output to the controlled switches to selectively control the latter via the corresponding non-volatile memory component (68, 70).