Adaptive Battery Charging Circuitry for Auditory Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in balancing battery capacity and cycle life due to varying power consumption needs among recipients, leading to inefficient battery usage and potential premature device replacement.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive battery charging circuitry sets an end-of-charge voltage for rechargeable batteries based on estimated power consumption, optimizing battery life and cycle life according to individual recipient needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the rechargeable battery is charged to maximum capacity, then the operational duration is extended, but the cycle life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the charging termination voltage based on real-time monitoring of power consumption characteristics. The charge controller continuously adapts the end-of-charge voltage threshold to match the actual operational needs of the auditory prosthesis, transitioning from a static fixed voltage approach to a dynamic adaptive approach that optimizes both duration and cycle life
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (end-of-charge voltage) based on measured power consumption characteristics. By monitoring actual power usage and adjusting the termination voltage accordingly, the system achieves optimal balance between capacity utilization and battery longevity, preventing both overcharging damage and underutilization waste
2Device complexity
If a fixed charging voltage is used, then the charging process is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying power consumption needs of different recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the charge controller monitors power consumption characteristics during device operation and uses this information to adjust the end-of-charge voltage. This closed-loop control system automatically adapts charging parameters to individual recipient needs without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own power consumption characteristics and modifying the charging profile accordingly. The auditory prosthesis autonomously determines its own optimal charging parameters based on actual operational requirements, eliminating the need for external calibration or user input
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for adapting/adjusting the end-of-charge (termination) voltage of a rechargeable battery integrated in an auditory prosthesis or other electronic device based on an estimated power consumption of the auditory prosthesis or other electronic device. In particular, the estimated power consumption of an auditory prosthesis or other electronic device is used to set an end-of-charge voltage that is customized to the power consumption needs of the auditory prosthesis or other electronic device.