Wireless Neurostimulator Implants With Asynchronous Power Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurological disorders affect muscle function and cause pain, necessitating improved neurostimulation techniques for effective treatment.

Innovation Solution

A system for wireless neurostimulation using a circuitry unit with electrodes, including a nerve cuff, where energy is received wirelessly and applied asynchronously or synchronously to treat tissues, with implants configured to receive power signals and apply treatment based on specific characteristics or control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wireless power transmission is used to power neurostimulator implants, then device complexity and patient burden are reduced, but power reception efficiency and energy availability may be insufficient for continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant complexityVSAvoidpower availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary wireless power transmission during periods when the patient is at rest or sleeping, storing energy in the implant's battery before it is needed for active neurostimulation therapy. This allows the implant to have sufficient power available during treatment without requiring a large battery or complex power management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmission operates periodically rather than continuously, with charging cycles synchronized to the patient's daily routine. The system transmits power in discrete sessions (e.g., overnight charging) and uses stored energy during treatment periods, reducing the complexity of continuous power transmission while ensuring adequate energy supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple implants are used to treat different neurological conditions, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power transmission system and control unit are designed to work with multiple types of neural implants simultaneously. A single external control unit can manage deep brain stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, and peripheral nerve stimulators using different wireless communication protocols, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each implant type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The external control unit serves as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple implants and the patient's healthcare provider. It receives treatment parameters from the provider, distributes appropriate stimulation signals to each implant, and aggregates diagnostic data from all implants for monitoring, simplifying the coordination of multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If deep nerve stimulation is applied to treat neurological disorders, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but risk of direct nerve damage and adverse effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidnerve damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses arrays of microelectrodes that can be selectively activated to stimulate specific local regions of the nerve or brain. By targeting only the affected area with precise spatial control, the system achieves effective treatment of localized neurological conditions while minimizing stimulation of adjacent healthy tissues that could be damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical or electrical leads that physically contact and potentially damage nerve tissue with wireless power transmission and inductive coupling. This eliminates wear and tear on physical connections and reduces the risk of mechanical damage to the nerve while maintaining effective stimulation delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and targeted neurostimulation, reducing muscle contraction and pain by stimulating sensory fibers superficially while avoiding direct nerve stimulation, thus providing effective treatment for neurological disorders.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitting unit, configured to transmit a wireless power signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

each of the implants being configured to receive the power signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260034373A1Wireless neurostimulators

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 BLUEWIND MEDICAL

AI summary

Apparatus for applying a treatment (216) to at least one tissue of a subject is described, the apparatus comprising a transmitting unit (210) configured to transmit a wireless power signal (214), a first implant (202a), and a second implant (202b), each of the implants being configured to receive the power signal and to apply the treatment asynchronously to each other, in response to the power signal. Other embodiments are also described.