Voltage Limited Neurostimulation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), face challenges in safely and effectively delivering electrical current to the brain without exceeding dangerous voltage levels, which can cause discomfort and potential harm to patients.
Innovation Solution
The method involves initiating a flow of electrical current through electrodes and increasing the voltage to a target value while preventing it from exceeding a predetermined limit, maintaining the voltage within a safe range to ensure the current reaches the desired amplitude without causing discomfort or harm, and adjusting the voltage based on resistance changes to maintain the current for a therapeutic duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is increased to deliver higher current amplitude, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but patient discomfort and potential harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage based on real-time resistance measurements. During the ramp-up phase, voltage increases to reach target current amplitude. Once target is reached, voltage is maintained within a safe range even as resistance changes, preventing excessive voltage that would cause discomfort or harm while maintaining therapeutic current levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors resistance between electrodes and uses this feedback to adjust voltage output. The control circuit measures resistance changes and modulates voltage accordingly to maintain target current amplitude without exceeding safe voltage thresholds, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If voltage is limited to prevent harmful effects, then patient safety is improved, but current amplitude may not reach target value
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a ramp-up phase before the limited voltage phase. During ramp-up, voltage is increased to establish the target current amplitude. After target is reached, the system transitions to voltage-limited mode where voltage is maintained within safe ranges. This preliminary action ensures therapeutic effectiveness is achieved before safety constraints are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous current delivery at target amplitude despite voltage limitations. By continuously monitoring resistance and adjusting voltage within the safe range, the system ensures uninterrupted therapeutic current flow, maintaining effectiveness while adhering to safety constraints.
3Reliability
If voltage is continuously adjusted to maintain current amplitude, then therapeutic consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the patient's own resistance characteristics to automatically adjust voltage. The control circuit continuously measures resistance and self-regulates voltage output to maintain target current, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment mechanisms while ensuring therapeutic consistency.
4Productivity
If voltage is increased rapidly to reach target current, then treatment time is reduced, but risk of electrical spikes and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a controlled ramp-up phase where voltage gradually increases to reach target current amplitude before transitioning to the voltage-limited therapeutic phase. This preliminary gradual increase eliminates electrical spikes and patient discomfort while still achieving efficient treatment delivery.
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 provides safe and effective neurostimulation by reducing patient discomfort, minimizing the risk of electrical spikes, and ensuring the delivery of a consistent therapeutic current, while also reducing the total voltage and power consumption of the device.
Implementation Method 1
initiating a flow of electrical current through a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the patient
Implementation Method 2
increasing the flow of electrical current toward a target value by increasing a voltage across the first electrode and second electrode
Implementation Method 3
as a resistance of from the first electrode to the second electrode reduces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for delivering voltage limited neurostimulation to a patient. In one aspect, a method includes initiating a flow of electrical current through a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the patient and increasing the flow of electrical current toward a target value by increasing a voltage across the first electrode and second electrode. Prior to reaching the target value of electrical current, the method includes preventing the voltage across the first electrode and second electrode from increasing beyond a first predetermined limit; and subsequently, maintaining the voltage across the first electrode and second electrode at or within a predetermined range that does not exceed the first predetermined limit. The amplitude of the electrical current continues to increase toward the target value during at least part of a time when the voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained within the predetermined range.