Therapeutic Pulse Generator Capacitor Sizing for Faster Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Therapeutic electrical pulse delivery systems face challenges in achieving improved deformation factor, charge time, and longevity due to the use of capacitors with energy capacities that merely meet operational requirements, leading to increased power consumption and reduced efficiency over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating capacitors with energy capacities at least 10% greater than the maximum energy required for therapeutic pulse delivery, allowing for improved deformation factor, reduced charge time, and increased longevity by utilizing capacitors with higher energy capacities that maintain a lower deformation factor and enable faster charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitors with energy capacity merely meeting operational requirements are used, then device size and cost are reduced, but deformation factor deteriorates and charge time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of excessive action by selecting capacitors with energy capacity exceeding the minimum operational requirements. Specifically, capacitors are chosen with energy capacity at least 10% greater than the maximum energy level required for therapeutic pulse delivery. This excess capacity prevents the capacitor from operating at full charge cycles, thereby reducing deformation factor and extending charge time while maintaining reliable therapeutic function.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If capacitors with energy capacity merely meeting operational requirements are used, then device volume is reduced, but longevity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements excessive action by specifying capacitors with energy capacity at least 10% greater than the maximum energy level required for therapeutic pulse delivery. This ensures the capacitor operates below its maximum capacity, reducing stress and extending longevity. The increased volume of higher-capacity capacitors is acceptable given the critical importance of device longevity in implantable medical applications.
3Productivity
If capacitors with higher energy capacity are used, then deformation factor is improved and charge time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the energy capacity parameter of the capacitor to be at least 10% greater than the maximum energy level required for therapeutic pulse delivery. This parameter change directly improves charging efficiency and reduces charge time, as the capacitor operates within a more favorable range of its capacity, avoiding saturation and deformation effects.
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 use of capacitors with excess energy capacity results in improved deformation factor, decreased charge time, and enhanced charging efficiency, leading to longer system longevity and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitors may store energy in an electric field between two electrodes (e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode). Capacitors may discharge stored energy more rapidly than batteries or other power sources.
Data Source
AI summary
The therapeutic electrical pulse delivery system may include a power source, a pulse generator, and a controller. The pulse generator may be operatively coupled to the power source. The pulse generator may include one or more capacitors. Each of the one or more capacitors may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The one or more capacitors may include an energy capacity at least 10 percent greater than a maximum energy of therapeutic electrical pulses delivered by the therapeutic electrical pulse delivery system. The controller may include one or more processors and may be operatively coupled to the power source or the pulse generator to charge the one or more capacitors and cause the pulse generator to deliver a therapeutic electrical pulse using the charged one or more capacitors.