Wireless Neurostimulator Implants for Synchronized Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurological disorders often result in loss of muscle function or pain, for which neurostimulation techniques are used, but existing systems face challenges in efficient and continuous power supply for implants and synchronization of treatments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless neurostimulation system with multiple implants, each receiving power and applying treatment asynchronously or synchronously, using distinct power signals or control signals, and supported by a transmitting unit, with implants designed for subcutaneous or injectable implantation and anchored to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wireless neurostimulation system with multiple implants is used, then treatment synchronization and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the neurostimulation function into multiple separate implantable devices, each capable of independent operation. Each implant contains its own circuitry unit and electrodes, allowing distributed treatment delivery across different tissue sites while maintaining individual control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each implantable device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a power receiver and a treatment applicator. The implants can operate independently or in coordination with other implants, providing universal neurostimulation capability across multiple sites without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Ease of operation
If implants receive power wirelessly without continuous power supply, then device size and invasiveness are reduced, but power availability and continuous operation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic wireless power transmission to the implants, where power is delivered in scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The implants are designed to accumulate energy from these periodic transmissions and store it for continuous operation, enabling long-duration treatment without requiring large battery compartments or continuous external power connection.
Solution Approach 2:
An external transmitting unit serves as an intermediary between the power source and the implants. This unit wirelessly transmits power signals to the implants through the skin barrier, eliminating the need for percutaneous connections or large implanted batteries while ensuring adequate power delivery for continuous neurostimulation treatment.
3Use of energy by moving object
If implants apply treatment asynchronously, then power consumption is optimized, but treatment coordination and synchronization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each implant reports its operational status, energy levels, and treatment delivery state to the external transmitting unit. The transmitting unit uses this feedback to coordinate asynchronous treatment schedules, optimizing power consumption by activating implants only when needed while maintaining proper therapeutic timing and coordination across multiple sites.
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 system provides efficient, continuous, and synchronized neurostimulation treatments without continuous power supply, reducing muscle contraction and directly stimulating sensory fibers while avoiding nerve stimulation, thus effectively managing neurological disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting unit, configured to transmit a wireless power signal; and a first implant and a second implant, each of the implants being configured to receive the power signal
Data Source
AI summary
A neurostimulator implant is provided that includes a circuitry unit having first and second ends, a conducting side, and an opposing side. First and second electrodes are disposed on an outer surface of the circuitry unit so as to circumscribe the circuitry unit. Circuitry is disposed within the circuitry unit. An insulating member is disposed on the opposing side of the circuitry unit such that, on the opposing side, each electrode is covered by the insulating member by being sandwiched between a first side of the insulating member and the circuitry unit, such that the insulating member inhibits electrical conduction from the electrodes into tissue of a subject. A second side of the insulating member, opposite the first side, defines a generally flat side of the implant facing away from the first and the second electrodes of the circuitry unit. Other embodiments are also described.