Battery Management Circuit for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices, such as cardiac rhythm management devices, face limitations in longevity and feature incorporation due to battery power consumption, with rechargeable batteries posing risks during recharging, especially for life-supporting devices.
Innovation Solution
A battery management circuit that includes a rechargeable battery, a battery status monitor, a recharging controller, and a recharging circuit, allowing for safe and efficient use by monitoring energy levels and controlling the recharging process through phases like fast-charge and trickle-charge, and utilizing a power receiver and converter, as well as a battery switch for power source management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery is used to extend device longevity, then the operational duration is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to power interruption risks during recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two independent power sources: a rechargeable battery and a non-rechargeable backup battery. This segmentation allows the device to maintain continuous operation by switching between power sources, thereby extending overall device longevity while ensuring reliability during the recharging phase of the rechargeable battery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rechargeable battery is used to allow new features, then the adaptability is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to recharging risks in life-supporting devices
Solution Approach 1:
A non-rechargeable backup battery is provided in advance as a safety cushion. When the rechargeable battery requires recharging or fails, the backup battery automatically takes over to prevent power interruption. This prior cushioning eliminates recharging risks during critical operations while maintaining the adaptability benefits of the rechargeable battery for new features.
3Productivity
If frequent recharging is performed to maintain energy levels, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to patient inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system operates autonomously to monitor energy levels and manage recharging without requiring patient intervention. The system automatically switches between the rechargeable and backup batteries, performs recharging during appropriate phases, and maintains continuous power supply, thereby improving productivity while preserving patient convenience.
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
Enables safe and efficient use of rechargeable batteries in implantable medical devices, extending their longevity and minimizing disruption during recharging, thus ensuring reliable operation of life-supporting devices.
Implementation Method 1
The power converter converts the power-transmission signal to electrical energy suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
The battery status monitor detects the energy level of the rechargeable battery through parameter monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A battery management circuit provides an implantable medical device with power management that allows safe and efficient use of a rechargeable battery. Various ways of monitoring the energy level of the rechargeable battery and controlling the battery recharging process for user convenience and safety are provided.