Wireless RF Powered Implantable Electrode Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable stimulators for treating chronic conditions like pain and movement disorders rely on subcutaneous batteries and wired connections, which are invasive and limited by the need for power sources and physical connections.
Innovation Solution
A wireless stimulation system that uses remote radio frequency (RF) energy to power a passive implanted device, eliminating the need for batteries or inductive coupling, and allowing for the delivery of electrical impulses to targeted nerve tissue without physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subcutaneous batteries and wired connections are used in implantable stimulators, then reliable power supply and stable electrical stimulation are achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the battery and wired connection components from the implantable stimulator system. The external RF transmitter wirelessly transmits power and control signals through the skin to the implanted device, eliminating the need for subcutaneous batteries and physical wired connections, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless RF electromagnetic field-based power and control transmission system. The external transmitter uses RF energy to power the implanted stimulator and transmit control signals without physical cables, substituting mechanical connections with electromagnetic field interactions
2Duration of action of stationary object
If subcutaneous batteries are used in implantable stimulators, then continuous power supply is ensured, but device complexity and implantation procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component entirely from the implanted device. The implantable stimulator is designed as a passive or active device that receives power wirelessly from an external RF transmitter, eliminating the need for internal power storage mechanisms and reducing device structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The external RF transmitter serves multiple functions: it provides wireless power transmission to the implanted device, transmits control signals for stimulating electrode selection and parameter adjustment, and enables bidirectional communication for programming and monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery, control, and communication components in the implant
3Reliability
If wired connections are used in implantable stimulators, then stable electrical stimulation delivery is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates and patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless RF electromagnetic field-based power and control transmission. The external transmitter wirelessly delivers power and control signals through the skin to the implanted stimulator, eliminating the need for physical cables and improving ease of operation and patient comfort while maintaining stimulation delivery stability
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 minimally invasive treatment of chronic conditions by providing reliable power and control to implanted devices, improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy while reducing the complexity of device implantation and use.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless stimulation system that uses remote radio frequency (RF) energy to power a passive implanted device
Data Source
AI summary
A device for implantation in a patient may include an electrode arrays configured to apply at least one electrical pulse to an excitable tissue, the electrode array including at least one electrode; connector contacts, each integrally wired to a particular electrode array, each configured to drive the at least one electrode of the particular electrode array integrally wired thereto with the at least one electrical pulse; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy, the second antenna located outside the patient's body; and one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna and the connector contacts, the circuits configured to: create the one or more electrical pulses suitable for stimulation of the excitable tissue by using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the connector contacts.