Acoustic Transducer Array Beam Steering for Leadless Cardiac Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leadless cardiac stimulation systems face inefficiencies in acoustic energy transmission and conversion due to the need for a focused beam that adapts to the movement of the receiver-stimulator within the body, requiring continuous location determination to optimize energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an array of acoustic transducers to transmit focused acoustic energy, with circuitry to detect location signals and adjust the beam to ensure efficient energy delivery to the receiver-stimulator, allowing for precise targeting and minimization of energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the acoustic beam is focused to a narrow width to improve energy efficiency, then energy utilization is improved, but the system cannot accommodate movement of the receiver-stimulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acoustic beam adjustable and adaptable in real-time. The controller-transmitter uses location determination techniques to track the receiver-stimulator's position and dynamically adjusts the acoustic beam's direction and focus point. This allows the system to maintain a narrow, energy-efficient beam width while accommodating the receiver's movement within the body, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through location determination techniques that continuously monitor the receiver-stimulator's position. This feedback information is used by the controller-transmitter to adjust the acoustic beam parameters (direction, focus, width) in real-time. The feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal energy transmission efficiency while adapting to the receiver's movement, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the acoustic beam width is increased to accommodate receiver movement, then adaptability is improved, but energy dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the acoustic beam parameters based on real-time location information. Rather than using a fixed wide beam, the controller-transmitter continuously modifies the beam's direction and focus point to track the receiver-stimulator's position. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain a narrow beam width (minimizing energy dissipation) while still accommodating receiver movement through active tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
Location determination techniques provide continuous feedback on the receiver-stimulator's position, enabling the controller-transmitter to adjust the acoustic beam parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to concentrate acoustic energy precisely on the receiver's current location, preventing energy dissipation that would occur with a wider static beam, while still accommodating movement through active correction.
3Measurement precision
If location determination techniques are implemented to track receiver position, then energy delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediary techniques for location determination, such as acoustic echo location or electromagnetic signaling, to track the receiver-stimulator's position without requiring complex direct measurement systems. These intermediary methods provide sufficient location accuracy for beam targeting while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
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 enhances the operational efficiency of the system by ensuring that the acoustic energy is focused and directed accurately to the receiver-stimulator, improving energy utilization and reducing the size and complexity of the receiver-stimulator.
Implementation Method 1
The controller-transmitter has one or more piezoelectric transducers that convert electrical power into acoustic power creating the acoustic beam
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric receiver elements couple power from the acoustic field generated by the controller-transmitter and convert it into electric power
Data Source
AI summary
Method and systems for optimizing acoustic energy transmission in implantable devices are disclosed. Transducer elements transmit acoustic locator signals towards a receiver assembly, and the receiver responds with a location signal. The location signal can reveal information related to the location of the receiver and the efficiency of the transmitted acoustic beam received by the receiver. This information enables the transmitter to target the receiver and optimize the acoustic energy transfer between the transmitter and the receiver. The energy can be used for therapeutic purposes, for example, stimulating tissue or for diagnostic purposes.