Retinal Biochip Power Sequencing Using Phase-Shifted Region Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar-cell powered retinal chips for treating retinitis pigmentosa have limited output power due to small photo-current, posing challenges in effectively powering biochips without damaging the eye structure.
Innovation Solution
A power controlling apparatus for biochips comprising M regions, a pulse generating module, a combinational circuit, and M controlling modules that generate phase-different controlling signals to selectively power on regions, utilizing solar cells and incorporating an action potential refractory period to optimize power distribution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar cells are used to power the retinal chip, then the safety of implantation is improved, but the output power is limited due to small photo-current
Solution Approach 1:
The retinal chip is divided into M regions, each with its own controlling module. The pulse generating module generates pulses that are distributed to different regions in sequence, allowing the limited solar cell power to be efficiently allocated across multiple segments rather than attempting to power the entire chip simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulsing to activate different regions of the retinal chip in sequence. The pulse generating module creates time-dependent control signals that periodically power different regions, matching the action potential refractory period of retinal cells to maximize output while minimizing power consumption.
2Productivity
If continuous power is provided to all regions, then the output efficiency is maximized, but the power consumption exceeds the capability of solar cells
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing continuous power to all regions, the system applies partial action by activating only one region at a time through the controlling modules. This reduces instantaneous power consumption to levels that solar cells can sustain, while maintaining overall productivity through sequential operation of all M regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generating module creates periodic control signals that activate different regions in sequence. Each region receives power during its designated time window, and the timing is synchronized with the action potential refractory period of retinal cells, ensuring that each region operates at full efficiency during its active period while minimizing total power consumption.
3Productivity
If the action potential refractory period is considered in power control, then the output efficiency is improved, but the control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is segmented into M independent controlling modules, each responsible for one region. This modular approach distributes the complexity across multiple simple units rather than requiring one complex centralized controller, making the system more manageable and easier to implement with available technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generating module generates periodic control signals with timing based on the action potential refractory period. This periodic timing scheme provides a simple, repeatable control pattern that is easier to implement than continuous analog control, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining efficiency optimized to the biological refractory period.
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
Enhances the safety of artificial retina chip implantation by avoiding structural damage and improves output efficiency by taking turns to power divided regions, reducing power waste and boosting overall power output.
Implementation Method 1
The cells in the corresponding region which are powered have an action potential refractory period which is longer than the power-on interval of the corresponding region
Implementation Method 2
the retinal chip used in the sub-retinal silicon chip implantation treatment is generally powered by solar-cells. The most serious drawback is that the photo-current generated by solar-cells is small
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a power controlling apparatus for a biochip including M regions. Each region includes a plurality of cells respectively. The power controlling apparatus includes a pulse generating module, a combinational circuit, and M controlling modules. The pulse generating module generates a pulse. The combinational circuit receives the pulse and generates M controlling signals. Each controlling signal has a predetermined phase which is different from the phase of the other controlling signal. The M controlling modules are electrically connected to the combinational circuit. Each of the M controlling signals corresponds to and activates one of the M controlling modules to selectively power on one corresponding region of the M regions. The cells in the corresponding region which is powered have an action potential refractory time that is longer than the power-on interval of the corresponding region.