Capacitive Electrode Pair Selection for Implant Power Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable electronic medical devices face challenges in wireless charging due to the need for precise alignment of coils, which can cause discomfort and inefficiency, especially when using magnets, and may result in power transmission failures due to rotational errors and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmission apparatus using capacitive coupling in a wearable device with a transmission electrode comprising multiple unit electrode pairs and a control module that selects the appropriate electrode pair to form capacitive coupling with the implantable device, allowing for efficient power transfer without the need for precise coil alignment and minimizing heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless charging using coils is applied to implantable devices, then power can be transmitted wirelessly, but precise alignment between transmission and reception coils is required which causes discomfort and may fail due to rotational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission electrode is divided into multiple unit electrode pairs instead of using a single large coil. Each unit electrode pair can independently form capacitive coupling with the reception electrode, allowing the system to segment the power transmission function across multiple smaller units that are more tolerant of misalignment and rotational errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (coils requiring precise physical alignment) with an electrical field-based system (capacitive coupling between electrodes). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical precision in alignment, as the electric field can couple effectively over a broader range of positions and orientations.
2Measurement precision
If magnets are used to align transmission and reception coils, then alignment accuracy is improved, but strong magnetic force is required which cannot be applied to human bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the magnetic alignment system with an electric field-based capacitive coupling system. Instead of using magnets to physically align coils, the system uses electric fields to establish coupling between transmission and reception electrodes, eliminating the need for strong magnetic forces that would be harmful to human tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from magnetic field interaction to electric field interaction. By switching from inductive coupling (magnetic) to capacitive coupling (electric), the system achieves alignment without requiring magnetic forces, thereby eliminating the harmful effect on human bodies while maintaining alignment accuracy through electrical field detection and adjustment.
3Productivity
If large current or high voltage is used to supply power quickly, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases causing discomfort and side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission is segmented across multiple unit electrode pairs rather than concentrating large current through a single path. This distribution of current across multiple parallel pathways reduces the current density in each individual electrode, thereby reducing resistive heating (I²R losses) while maintaining the overall power transmission rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies AC voltage to the unit electrode pairs in a controlled, periodic manner, selectively activating different unit electrode pairs. This periodic action allows for efficient power transfer through capacitive coupling while avoiding continuous high current flow that would generate excessive heat, thus achieving fast charging with reduced thermal effects.
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
The apparatus enables efficient, continuous, and comfortable wireless power transmission to implantable devices, addressing alignment and heat issues, and ensuring uninterrupted power supply regardless of user activity.
Implementation Method 1
a control module configured to select a unit electrode pair, forming capacitive coupling with the reception electrode, among the plurality of unit electrode pairs provided in the reception electrode, to wirelessly transmit power
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transmitting power wirelessly using capacitive coupling, provided in a wearable device, includes: a transmission electrode including a plurality of unit electrode pairs, each unit electrode pair being formed by a transmission signal electrode and a transmission ground electrode; and a control module configured to select a unit electrode pair, forming capacitive coupling with the reception electrode, among the plurality of unit electrode pairs provided in the reception electrode, to wirelessly transmit power to a reception electrode included in an implantable device.