SOTI Transformer Filters DC Noise in Neural Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency alternating current waveforms used for neural stimulation can be contaminated with unintentional direct current signals, leading to nerve damage due to prolonged or repeated application, as existing methods like capacitance and shunting resistance are not effective for higher frequency waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A secondary-side-open-transformer-inductor (SOTI) system is used to provide a high impedance that filters out the contaminating noise from the electric waveform, ensuring safe neural stimulation and nerve block by adjusting frequency-dependent impedance and incorporating passive and active components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional capacitance and shunting resistance are applied to mitigate unintentional DC signals, then DC contamination is reduced, but these approaches are not feasible for higher frequency waveforms like KHFAC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of the filter circuit by using a transformer with specific turns ratio to achieve frequency-dependent impedance matching. This allows the filter to effectively block DC contamination across different frequency ranges including KHFAC waveforms, resolving the contradiction between DC mitigation and high-frequency applicability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary component between the waveform generator and the electrode. The transformer acts as a mediator that blocks DC contamination while allowing high-frequency KHFAC waveforms to pass through, solving the problem of DC contamination without compromising high-frequency waveform delivery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If capacitors are used to filter DC imbalance, then DC signals are reduced, but capacitors do not have sufficient time to discharge between stimulation pluses in high-frequency waveforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitor-based filtering mechanism with a transformer-based impedance transformation mechanism. The transformer provides continuous DC blocking without relying on charge/discharge cycles, eliminating the time constraint issue that prevents capacitor effectiveness in high-frequency applications
3Reliability
If DC signals are applied to block nerve conduction, then nerve block is achieved, but prolonged or repeated application damages nerve tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful DC component from the waveform using a transformer-based filter, while preserving the beneficial high-frequency alternating current components. This separation allows nerve block to be achieved through the AC waveform alone without the damaging effects of DC contamination
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 SOTI system effectively removes noise from electric waveforms, preventing nerve damage and ensuring the integrity of neural stimulation and nerve block applications by providing a high impedance that filters out DC contamination, even in high-frequency waveforms.
Implementation Method 1
The SOTI can include a first coil and a second coil that are inductively coupled
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can remove contaminating noise (e.g., direct current (DC) contamination or high frequency contamination) from an electric waveform. The system can include a passive filter that includes at least a secondary-side-open-transformer-inductor (SOTI). The SOTI can include a first coil inductively coupled to a second coil. The first coil of the SOTI can receive the electric waveform contaminated with the noise and output the electric waveform. The second coil of the SOTI can provide an impedance that facilitates removal of the noise from the electric waveform.