Single Decoupling Capacitor for Multi-Electrode Microstimulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-electrode microstimulators face challenges in accommodating multiple decoupling capacitors due to limited space, which restricts the number of electrodes or increases device size, compromising therapeutic flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single decoupling capacitor with switchable paths for both anode and cathodes, utilizing stimulation and recovery switches to maintain capacitive decoupling benefits while minimizing volume usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple decoupling capacitors are provided for each electrode in multi-electrode microstimulators, then safety and charge recovery are improved, but device volume increases and space becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple decoupling capacitor functions into a single shared decoupling capacitor that serves all electrodes. The capacitor is connected to a common node that interfaces with multiple electrodes through switching circuitry, allowing one capacitor to perform the decoupling function for all electrodes during both stimulation and recovery phases, thereby reducing total component volume while maintaining safety and charge recovery benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The single decoupling capacitor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides capacitive decoupling for all electrodes during stimulation, enables charge recovery from all electrodes, and works with the switching circuitry to selectively connect different electrodes to the common node. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate capacitors for each electrode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple decoupling capacitors are provided for each electrode, then therapeutic flexibility is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual decoupling capacitor components into a single shared component that works with a switching matrix to achieve the same therapeutic flexibility. The switching circuitry allows selective connection of different electrode combinations to the common decoupling capacitor, providing versatile stimulation patterns without requiring multiple separate capacitor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single decoupling capacitor is designed to work with multiple electrodes through the switching circuitry, providing universal decoupling functionality across all electrodes. This allows the same capacitor to serve different therapeutic configurations by switching which electrodes are connected to it, reducing component count while maintaining adaptability.
3Volume of moving object
If a single decoupling capacitor is used for multiple electrodes, then device volume is reduced, but ensuring proper capacitive decoupling for all electrodes becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching circuitry that actively connects the single decoupling capacitor to the appropriate electrode or electrodes during each stimulation cycle. The switching mechanism ensures that the capacitor is properly positioned in the current path for charge injection and recovery, dynamically adapting its connections to maintain effective capacitive decoupling regardless of which electrodes are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common node as an intermediary between the single decoupling capacitor and multiple electrodes. This common node serves as a hub that allows the capacitor to interface with different electrodes through switching circuitry, ensuring proper electrical isolation and charge management while enabling the single capacitor to effectively decouple all electrodes from the current generator.
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
This approach allows for multiple electrodes with reduced volume requirements, enhancing therapeutic flexibility and safety by maintaining capacitive decoupling benefits with minimal space usage, overcoming the limitations of conventional multi-electrode microstimulators.
Implementation Method 1
a single decoupling capacitor is provided in the current path between the anode and the current generator circuitry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. The decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device. Although of particular benefit when applied to microstimulators, the disclosed technique can be used with space-saving benefits in any stimulator device.