Implantable Pulse Generator Control Circuit for Tissue Node Potential Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for managing potential differences between tissue nodes and tissue in implantable pulse generators require additional space and power, often using dual-supply rails which are inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit for an implantable pulse generator that uses a capacitor to manage the potential of a tissue node, allowing for charge-balanced stimulation without the need for a dedicated supply rail, thereby reducing power consumption and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-supply rails are used to manage potential differences between tissue nodes and tissue, then the system can maintain stable electrical potential, but the device requires additional space and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the potential management function from the dual-supply rail system and implements it using a capacitor connected to a single supply rail. The capacitor is configured to supply or sink current to maintain the desired potential at the tissue node, eliminating the need for the second supply rail while preserving the potential stability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves multiple functions: it maintains the electrical potential at the tissue node, balances charge during stimulation pulses, and eliminates the need for a dedicated second supply rail. This multi-functional approach reduces both power consumption and device complexity while maintaining reliable potential management.
2Reliability
If dual-supply rails are used to manage potential differences, then electrical potential can be controlled, but the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the second supply rail from the system and extracts its potential management function, implementing it instead through a capacitor connected to the first supply rail. This extraction reduces the device footprint by eliminating redundant circuitry while maintaining electrical potential control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the potential control function into the existing single-supply rail system using a capacitor. Instead of having separate dual-rail infrastructure, the capacitor is integrated into the single-rail system to perform the potential management function that previously required a second rail, thereby reducing the overall device area.
3Reliability
If conventional potential management systems are used, then tissue node potential can be regulated, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the potential regulation function from the complex dual-supply rail system and implements it using a simpler capacitor-based approach with a single supply rail. This extraction simplifies the system architecture by removing the need for multiple regulated voltage rails while maintaining the essential potential control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves as a multi-functional element that handles potential regulation, charge balancing, and current sourcing/sinking without requiring additional dedicated circuits. This universal approach reduces system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single component rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
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 solution enables efficient and compact management of tissue node potential, reducing power consumption and maintaining stimulation pulse characteristics, while avoiding the need for dual-rail supply implementations.
Implementation Method 1
A control circuit for an implantable pulse generator that uses a capacitor to manage the potential of a tissue node
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing a tissue node potential of a neurostimulation system. The envisioned neurostimulation system can include an energy source, a housing or a housing portion, a stimulation node, a stimulation surface for contacting a tissue of a patient, and a control circuit. The control circuit can be configured to maintain at least one of the housing or housing portion, the stimulation node, or the stimulation surface at a predefined voltage or within a predefined voltage range.