Adaptive Inductive Charging for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inductive charging methods for implantable medical devices (IMDs) are inefficient due to energy conversion to heat and require users to remain still, limiting mobility and increasing charging time, especially for newer devices that require more frequent charging.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves automatically analyzing charging parameters during a session to update the charging signal, allowing for flexible and efficient charging while the user is mobile by adjusting the charging signal based on standard deviation and service level parameters, thereby minimizing misalignment issues and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging is performed while the user is mobile, then user convenience and mobility are improved, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment between coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging system adaptive to movement rather than static. The external charger continuously monitors charging parameters and dynamically adjusts the charging signal in real-time to compensate for coil misalignment caused by user movement, enabling efficient charging while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring charging parameters during the charging session and using this information to update and adjust the charging signal. This closed-loop control system detects misalignment issues and compensates for them, maintaining charging efficiency even when the user moves.
2Device complexity
If traditional inductive charging is used without statistical analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but charging time increases due to inability to compensate for misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing statistical analysis on charging parameters during the charging session to predict and preemptively adjust for misalignment issues. The system analyzes patterns in real-time and proactively modifies the charging signal to prevent efficiency losses before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using statistical analysis of charging parameters to dynamically adjust the charging signal. The system monitors multiple parameters (such as coupling coefficient, power transfer efficiency) and modifies charging parameters based on statistical patterns, enabling faster charging while compensating for movement.
3Productivity
If higher power charging is applied to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases reducing safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring charging parameters and adjusting the charging signal based on real-time conditions. This prevents excessive power delivery that would cause overheating while maintaining optimal charging speed through dynamic adaptation to changing conditions during the charging session.
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 faster and more efficient charging of IMDs while allowing users to be active during the process, reducing charging time and heat generation, and accommodating individual movement patterns effectively.
Implementation Method 1
rechargeable power supplies that are charged through the skin of the patient using inductive charging techniques
Implementation Method 2
Eddy currents form on the housing of the IMO during charging and these currents dissipate as heat
Implementation Method 3
some of the energy used in the recharging circuitry within the IMO is also converted into heat
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery installed in a battery powered device is charged using a separate battery charging device. A charging signal is provided from the battery charging device to the battery powered device. The charging signal includes energy to charge the battery during a charging session. In the battery charging device from the battery powered device, a plurality of values of a charging parameter is received. The values reflect an amount of energy being received by the battery powered device from the charging signal provided by the battery charging device. In the battery charging device, the plurality of values of the charging parameter received from the battery powered device are analyzed. In the battery charging device, the charging signal is adjusted based on the analyzing.