Wireless Implantable Device Control via Segmented SCU Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical systems for monitoring and affecting patient body parameters lack efficient wireless communication and closed-loop control capabilities, limiting their effectiveness in real-time monitoring and treatment applications.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a system control unit (SCU) and implanted devices that communicate wirelessly, allowing for programmable control and monitoring of implanted microstimulators, microsensors, and microtransponders, enabling closed-loop feedback and remote configuration for treatment regimens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication and closed-loop control are added to implantable devices, then real-time monitoring and adaptive treatment capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoring and adaptive treatment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: implantable devices for local sensing and actuation, and a remote SCU for centralized control and programming. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while enabling complex closed-loop control through wireless communication without increasing the complexity of individual implantable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the implantable devices and the external SCU, enabling data exchange and command transmission without physical connections. This intermediary layer facilitates real-time monitoring and adaptive control while maintaining system simplicity through non-invasive communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If programmable control and remote configuration capabilities are implemented, then treatment regimen flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment regimen flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Treatment regimens and control parameters are pre-programmed into the SCU using external programming devices before implantation. This preliminary configuration allows the implanted system to execute complex treatment protocols without requiring post-implantation programming, simplifying the manufacturing and deployment process while maintaining treatment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters through wireless communication after implantation, allowing the SCU to be reprogrammed based on patient response without modifying the physical hardware. This dynamic reconfigurability provides treatment flexibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple implanted devices with wireless communication are deployed, then system functionality is improved, but loss of information through communication interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidcommunication interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Each implantable device is equipped with unique identification codes and dedicated communication channels, allowing the SCU to distinguish between multiple devices. This local differentiation enables simultaneous operation of multiple devices without information interference, maintaining system functionality while preventing communication errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables real-time monitoring and adaptive treatment of patient conditions by allowing the SCU to transmit commands based on received data signals, improving the efficacy of medical interventions and enhancing patient care through remote programmability and extended system functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one set of elastic wings for capturing neural/muscular tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a holder having a hollow cavity formed within for holding and retaining the implantable device within

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS7450998B2Method of placing an implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue

Publication Date: 2008.11.11 ALFRED E MANN FOUND FOR SCI RES

AI summary

A method for facilitating placement of an implantable device configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for the purpose of tissue, e.g., nerve or muscle, stimulation and/or parameter monitoring and/or data communication. A placement structure is shown for facilitating placement of the implantable device proximate to neural/muscular tissue.