Optimized Wireless Charging for Implantable Medical Devices
Here’s PatSnap Eureka !
Summary
Problems
Existing wireless external chargers for implantable medical devices face challenges in efficiently charging devices due to poor coupling between the charger and the implant, leading to reduced charging speed and increased power consumption.
Innovation solutions
The improved charging system incorporates a charging coil assembly with one or more sense coils that detect alignment and centering with the implantable medical device, adjusting the magnetic field power accordingly to optimize charging efficiency.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If wireless external charging is used for implantable medical devices, then charging convenience is improved, but coupling efficiency deteriorates leading to reduced charging speed
Why choose this principle:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the IMD measures the magnetic field strength generated by the external charger and reports this information back to the charger. The charger uses this feedback to automatically adjust its output power, ensuring optimal charging efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining fast charging speed through active power adjustment while preserving wireless charging convenience.
Principle concept:
If wireless external charging is used for implantable medical devices, then charging convenience is improved, but coupling efficiency deteriorates leading to reduced charging speed
Why choose this principle:
The patent makes the charging system dynamic by enabling real-time adjustment of charging power based on measured coupling conditions. The external charger transitions from a static fixed-power output to a dynamic system that continuously adapts its power level according to the IMD's feedback about magnetic field strength, thereby maintaining optimal charging speed across varying coupling conditions.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
The improved charging system incorporates a charging coil assembly with one or more sense coils that detect alignment and centering with the implantable medical device, adjusting the magnetic field power accordingly to optimize charging efficiency.
Abstract
A charging system for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a charging coil and one or more sense coils preferably housed in a charging coil assembly coupled to an electronics module by a cable. The charging coil is preferably a wire winding, while the sense coils are preferably formed in one or more traces of a circuit board. One or more voltages induced on the one or more sense coils can be used to determine one or more parameters (magnitude, phase angle, resonant frequency) indicative of the position between the charging coil and the IMD, which position may include the radial offset and possibly also the depth of the charging coil relative to the IMD. Knowing the position, the power of the magnetic field produced by the charging coil can be adjusted to compensate for the position.