Enhanced Wireless Stimulation Systems for Efficient Excitable Tissue Modulation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept presents a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original implantable wirelessly powered device, focusing on increased efficiency, safety, and real-time adaptability in wireless stimulation of excitable tissue.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described an implantable wirelessly powered device for electrical stimulation of tissues. However, it had limitations in terms of energy storage, thermal management, and real-time adaptability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced wireless power transmission, thermal management systems, and real-time impedance monitoring.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced wireless stimulation systems comprise a wireless stimulation device with one or more electrodes and an enclosure housing a rechargeable energy storage unit or a power harvesting unit. The device is powered wirelessly via radio frequency or microwave energy transmitted from an external controller. The system includes a thermal management system to prevent overheating during prolonged use and sensors to monitor the impedance of the tissue in real-time. The device can adjust the frequency and amplitude of the electrical impulses in real-time based on feedback from the sensors, ensuring optimal energy transfer.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the use of advanced wireless power transmission, thermal management systems, and real-time impedance monitoring, which are not present in the original patent. These features enable more efficient, safer, and adaptable wireless stimulation of excitable tissue.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of energy harvesting units, such as piezoelectric or thermoelectric units, or the integration of machine learning algorithms to optimize the stimulation parameters based on individual patient data.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced wireless stimulation systems have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the treatment of chronic pain, movement disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. The target market includes medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and research institutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically implantable medical devices for neural stimulation and wireless power transmission, requiring expertise in electrical engineering, biomedical signal processing, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in implantable stimulation technologies, understanding of wireless power transfer, electrode array design, and real-time physiological monitoring systems
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable technological improvements to the source patent's wireless stimulation device. The additional features of thermal management, real-time impedance monitoring, and adaptive power transmission are logical extensions of existing medical device design principles. These variations solve known technical challenges in implantable stimulation systems through well-understood engineering techniques.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,796 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stimulation with electrode arrays |
| Assignee(s) | Curonix LLC |