3D Biocompatible Energization Element for Implantable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for compact, safe, reliable, and cost-effective means to energize semiconductor components in biocompatible medical devices, which require self-contained energization elements compatible with the size and energy demands of advanced medical devices such as implantable pacemakers and electronic pills.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming three-dimensional biocompatible energization elements by depositing conductive traces on three-dimensional surfaces and sealing active elements with a biocompatible material, using printing techniques to create precise and efficient energy sources, such as batteries, that can be integrated into medical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional energization elements are used in biocompatible medical devices, then the devices can perform required functions, but the size and complexity of the energization elements do not meet the compact requirements of modern implantable devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of energization elementVSAvoidreliability of energization element
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar (2D) energization elements to three-dimensional (3D) structures by forming conductive traces and active elements on a three-dimensional surface. This dimensional change allows the energization element to utilize the surface area of a 3D substrate, significantly reducing the overall volume while maintaining the required energy storage and delivery capabilities, thus achieving compact size without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different materials and structures to different regions of the energization element. Conductive traces are formed in specific patterns on the three-dimensional surface, active elements are deposited only where needed, and biocompatible sealing material is applied to encapsulate the active components. This localized approach optimizes each region for its specific function while minimizing overall material usage and device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the size of energization elements is reduced to meet device constraints, then compactness is achieved, but the energy capacity and performance may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of energization elementVSAvoidenergy capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing a three-dimensional surface for conducting traces and active elements, the patent increases the effective surface area available for energy storage and delivery without increasing the overall device volume. This allows more energy capacity to be packed into a smaller space, resolving the contradiction between compact size and energy capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structures combining conductive materials for traces, active energy-storing materials, and biocompatible sealing materials. This composite approach allows optimization of each material's properties for its specific function while achieving high energy density in a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If complex three-dimensional structures are used to achieve compact energization elements, then size requirements are met, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of energization elementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms the three-dimensional substrate and conductive trace patterns before depositing the active elements. This preliminary structuring creates a ready-made template that guides subsequent material deposition, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to attempting to form complex 3D structures in a single step or to assemble multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If biocompatible materials are used to seal active elements, then safety and compatibility are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidease of sealing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function with the structural encapsulation of the three-dimensional substrate. The biocompatible material serves both as a sealant and as part of the overall device structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing steps and simplifying manufacturing while ensuring biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enables the creation of compact, reliable, and safe energy sources for biocompatible devices, addressing the challenges of size and energy requirements while ensuring compatibility and effectiveness in medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

a printing apparatus is used to deposit chemical mixtures on a three-dimensional surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2779272B1Three-dimensional biocompatible energization element and method of forming it
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC
  • EP2779272B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2779272B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2779272B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to form three-dimensional biocompatible energization elements are described. In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus to form the three-dimensional biocompatible energization elements involve forming conductive traces on the three-dimensional surfaces and depositing active elements of the energization elements on the conductive traces. The active elements are sealed with a biocompatible material. In some embodiments, a field of use for the methods and apparatus may include any biocompatible device or product that requires energization elements.