Wireless Charging Enhancement Structure for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging methods for implantable medical devices are limited by short range, discomfort, and safety issues, as well as the need for frequent battery replacements through invasive surgeries, which are costly and risky.
Innovation Solution
A long-range wireless charging enhancement structure comprising an emitter, a carrier, and an enhancement module that transforms charging signals into enhanced signals, allowing for wireless charging of implantable medical devices from 10 cm to several meters without the need for direct coil alignment, using a carrier that can be worn as a patch, accessory, or textile, and an enhancement module with receivers and processing modules to adjust and deliver energy safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive coupling of inductive coils is used for wireless charging, then charging can be achieved, but the charging distance is limited to a few centimeters and the user must carry the charging coil close to the implantable device which causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enhancement module as an intermediary component placed in the carrier between the charging coil and the implantable device. This enhancement module acts as a signal amplifier that receives charging signals from the charging coil, enhances them, and transmits the enhanced signals to the implantable device, thereby extending the effective charging distance while maintaining system safety
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system is segmented into distinct functional components: the charging coil, the enhancement module, and the implantable device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the charging coil generates the magnetic field, the enhancement module amplifies the signals over distance, and the implantable device receives the enhanced signals, thereby resolving the distance limitation without compromising safety
2Length of stationary object
If resonant inductive coupling is used to extend charging distance to 1-2 meters, then charging range is improved, but the coil sizes become relatively larger and output power increases causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The enhancement module dynamically adjusts the parameters of the charging signals, specifically amplifying the signal strength at the implantable device end rather than increasing the overall system power. This parameter change allows extended charging distance while maintaining safe power levels throughout the system, as the enhancement is applied selectively to the signal rather than the total power output
3Length of stationary object
If resonant inductive coupling is used with larger coils, then charging distance is extended, but the output power becomes larger causing safety issues and non-compliance with regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The enhancement module serves as a controlled intermediary that receives signals from the charging coil, processes them through impedance matching and signal enhancement circuits, and transmits only the necessary enhanced signals to the implantable device. This intermediary control ensures regulatory compliance by maintaining proper signal-to-noise ratios and preventing harmful power levels, thereby ensuring safety and reliability
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 lifelong use of implantable medical devices by eliminating the need for battery replacements, allowing users to move freely and maintain daily activities while charging, reducing surgical risks and costs, and ensuring safe and efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The enhancement module is arranged in the carrier. Moreover, the plurality of charging signals are received by the enhancement module and transformed into a plurality of enhanced signals
Data Source
AI summary
A long-range wireless charging enhancement structure for implantable medical devices (IMDs) is disclosed. The abovementioned enhancement structure provides a possibility for long-range charging the IMDs, which maintains the quality of user's lives and also reduces the risks of replacing the batteries through surgeries. The enhancement structure includes an enhancer, which comprises an emitter, a carrier, an IMD, and an enhancement module. The enhancement module is set within the carrier and disposed at the outer surface of user's skin between the emitter and the IMD. The charging signals emitted by the emitter is enhanced by the enhancement module and further transmitted for charging the IMD inside the user's tissue.