Cardiac Support System Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable cardiac support systems, such as LVADs, face challenges with high power consumption, requiring external batteries and percutaneous wires, which restrict mobility and cause discomfort, and existing wireless power transfer systems are inefficient due to heat generation and alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
An implantable cardiac support system featuring a rotary blood pump powered by an implantable power module with a wireless power transfer subsystem using magnetic resonance coupling, allowing for efficient energy transfer over a significant distance without the need for percutaneous wires or external batteries, enabling extended operation and improved mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If percutaneous wires and external batteries are used to power the blood pump, then the pump can operate continuously, but patient mobility is restricted and quality of life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/percutaneous power transmission system (wires and external batteries) with a wireless power transfer system using magnetic resonance coupling. This allows the blood pump to be powered continuously while eliminating the physical constraints on patient mobility associated with percutaneous wires and external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless power transfer system that couples an external power source to the implantable blood pump through magnetic resonance coupling. This intermediary system enables continuous operation without direct physical connection, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and patient mobility.
2Ease of operation
If inductive coupling is used for wireless power transfer, then percutaneous wires are eliminated, but significant heat is generated and alignment precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using magnetic resonance coupling instead of standard inductive coupling. This parameter change enables wireless power transfer with significantly reduced heat generation while maintaining the ability to eliminate percutaneous wires, thus resolving the contradiction between wireless operation and heat management.
3Ease of operation
If inductive coupling is used for wireless power transfer, then percutaneous wires are eliminated, but close spacing and precise alignment between coils are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling mechanism from inductive to magnetic resonance coupling, which fundamentally alters the spatial requirements. This parameter change allows for greater spacing between coils and eliminates the need for precise alignment, while still achieving wireless power transfer without percutaneous wires.
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 system achieves an Energy Conversion Ratio (ECR) of 1.0 or greater, providing sustained blood flow for 24 hours with a 40 Watt-hour rechargeable energy source, reducing heat-related issues and enhancing patient mobility and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting coil assembly magnetic resonance coupled to the receiving coil assembly, wherein the transmitting coil assembly is utilized to electromagnetically transfer energy to the receiving coil assembly
Implementation Method 2
a receiving coil assembly that receives energy wirelessly... the receiving coil assembly transfers said energy into said power module
Data Source
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AI summary
A high efficiency cardiac support system is suitable for chronic use in treating heart failure, wherein the system includes an implantable rotary blood pump, an implantable power module, a wireless power transfer subsystem, a patient monitor, and a programmer. In a cardiac support system, the cumulative efficiencies of the components of the system are capable of providing therapeutically effective blood flow for a typical day of awake hours using the energy from a single wireless recharge of an implanted rechargeable energy source. Moreover, the implantable rechargeable energy source may be recharged during a normal sleep period of 8 hours or less. The system may provide full or partial cardiac support without the need for external wearable batteries, controllers, or cables.