Segmented Electrode Arrays for Implantable Electroacupuncture Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electroacupuncture devices are limited by their size, complexity, and inefficiency, often requiring external power sources and invasive procedures, which hinder their commercial feasibility and effectiveness in treating various medical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coin-sized, self-contained implantable electroacupuncture device with optimized electrode configurations and a small primary battery, allowing for subcutaneous implantation near acupoints, providing low-level electrical stimulation at a low duty cycle, and featuring a boost converter circuit to manage battery impedance for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional acupuncture needles are used with external power sources, then electrical stimulation can be provided, but the device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power source, control electronics, and electrode functions into a single integrated implantable unit. The microstimulator houses both the rechargeable battery and control circuitry internally, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex lead systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable microstimulator serves multiple functions: it stores electrical energy in its rechargeable battery, processes control signals via its electronics, and delivers electrical stimulation through integrated electrodes. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components (external power source, control unit, and electrode system), simplifying the overall system
2Duration of action of moving object
If implantable devices use rechargeable batteries, then operational duration is extended, but charging infrastructure and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device performs self-charging through percutaneous connections that allow external charging equipment to recharge the internal battery without requiring device replacement or complex surgical procedures. This self-service approach extends operational duration while keeping the charging process relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-equipped with a rechargeable battery and charging port during manufacturing, enabling extended operational duration from the outset. The preliminary inclusion of charging infrastructure simplifies later use, as users can simply connect external chargers without complex setup procedures
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrode surface area is increased to reduce current density, then tissue damage risk decreases, but stimulation effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple small electrodes distributed across the device surface rather than one large electrode. Each small electrode maintains low current density to prevent tissue damage, while the collective array provides sufficient total stimulation area for effective treatment. This local quality approach allows each electrode to operate safely while the system achieves overall therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple discrete contacts arranged in arrays on the implantable device. This segmentation allows current to be distributed across many small electrode surfaces, reducing current density at each contact point to prevent tissue damage and electrode corrosion, while the cumulative effect of all electrodes maintains stimulation effectiveness
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 device offers an unobtrusive, long-lasting, and effective treatment mechanism for medical conditions by efficiently delivering electrical stimulation with minimal clinical side effects and prolonged battery life, reducing the need for frequent recharging or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a boost converter circuit to manage battery impedance for extended operation
Implementation Method 2
electrodes that form an integral part of the housing... delivering electrical stimulation to body tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) (200) treats a medical condition through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified target tissue location at a very low duty cycle. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD (100, 200) is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless device having at least two electrodes (110, 120, 210a, 220) attached to an outside surface of its housing (124, 122), with at least one electrode on the top (210a) or bottom (210b) surface of the housing functioning as a cathode, and at least one electrode (120, 220) on the perimeter edge of the housing functioning as an anode. The electrodes may be segmented to include an array of smaller cathodic (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d) or anodic (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) electrodes, each of which may be selectively turned ON or OFF with appropriate switching circuitry (214a, 214b, 218) to provide a way to adjust the density of the stimulus current flowing through the respective electrode surface areas.