Wearable Neurostimulation Circuit for Constant Current Delivery

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation technologies are invasive and require frequent specialist attention, limiting their desirability and practicality for widespread use.

Innovation Solution

A wearable neurostimulation system featuring an electronic stimulator device with a novel circuit for modulating transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation signals, allowing for constant current electrical stimulation pulses to be delivered through stimulation electrodes without the need for invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If implantable neurostimulation technologies are used, then effective treatment is achieved, but invasiveness increases and requires surgical implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wearable external controller as an intermediary device that wirelessly communicates with the implanted pulse generator. This mediator allows for remote programming, monitoring, and adjustment of stimulation parameters without requiring surgical procedures or direct patient contact with the implant, thus maintaining treatment effectiveness while reducing invasiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/surgical connection methods with wireless communication technology. The external controller uses wireless signals to communicate with the implanted device, eliminating the need for physical connections or surgical access to the implant for programming and monitoring, thereby reducing invasiveness while preserving treatment efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If percutaneous neurostimulation technologies are used, then less invasive procedure is achieved, but continued specialist attention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service capabilities through the wearable external controller that enables patients to perform programming, parameter adjustment, and monitoring of their neurostimulation device at home. This eliminates the need for frequent specialist office visits while maintaining proper device function and treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The external controller serves multiple functions including programming, monitoring, parameter adjustment, and troubleshooting of the implanted neurostimulation device. This multi-functional device consolidates what previously required multiple separate specialist visits into a single patient-operated system, reducing time loss while maintaining device effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If invasive neurostimulation technologies are used, then effective treatment is achieved, but device complexity and surgical requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the neurostimulation system into two separate components: an implanted pulse generator that performs the core stimulation function, and an external wearable controller that handles programming and monitoring. This segmentation allows the implant to remain simple and surgically straightforward while complex functions are handled by the external device, maintaining treatment effectiveness while reducing surgical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250144418A1Neurostimulation circuit for implementation in a neurostimulation system, apparatus, and method

Publication Date: 2025.05.08

AI summary

A neurostimulator system for supplying constant current electrical stimulation pulses to at least one stimulation electrode to apply electrical stimulation to a subject includes a power supply comprising a voltage rail and a ground. The system also includes a first constant current circuit configured to supply stimulation current from the voltage rail through the at least one stimulation electrode to ground. A controller is configured to control the constant current circuit. The first constant current circuit includes a first mirror circuit, a first current sink, and a first ground circuit. The first mirror circuit is configured to supply the constant current electrical stimulation pulses from the voltage rail to the at least one electrode. The first current sink is configured to control the constant current electrical stimulation pulses supplied to the at least one electrode from the mirror circuit in response to a first control voltage. The first ground circuit is configured to control a path to ground from the at least one stimulation electrode in response to a first ground control signal from the controller. The controller is configured to control the first control voltage to produce the constant current electrical stimulation pulses and to control the first ground control signal to establish the path to ground so that the constant current electrical stimulation pulses flow through the at least one stimulation electrode in a first direction to apply electrical stimulation to the subject.