Charging Module Detects MRI Fields to Terminate High Voltage Therapy Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices face challenges in managing the charging of high voltage therapy energy storage components during unusual operating conditions, such as transformer core saturation and MRI exposure, which can lead to unexpected power supply voltage drops and high currents, potentially stressing device components and reducing efficiency or shortening battery life.

Innovation Solution

An implantable medical system with a charging module that detects conditions indicative of improper charging and MRI exposure, allowing it to terminate charging when both conditions are detected, thereby preventing adverse effects on the power source and therapy module components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If energy is accumulated in defibrillator capacitors to deliver high voltage therapy, then the ability to provide defibrillation therapy is improved, but the risk of unexpected power supply voltage drops and high currents during unusual operating conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefibrillation therapy delivery capabilityVSAvoidcomponent stress during unusual operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging module performs preliminary detection of improper charging conditions and MRI exposure before charging begins. By detecting these conditions in advance and terminating charging accordingly, the system prevents unexpected voltage drops and high currents from occurring during therapy delivery, thus protecting components while maintaining therapy capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging module continuously monitors charging conditions and provides feedback to the control module. When improper charging conditions or MRI exposure are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers termination of charging, preventing component stress while allowing normal charging operations to proceed under appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If charging continues during improper charging conditions or MRI exposure, then energy storage is maintained, but adverse effects on power source and components occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage in capacitorVSAvoidadverse effects on power source and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charging module monitors charging conditions in real-time and provides feedback to the control module. When improper charging conditions or MRI exposure are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers termination of charging, preventing component stress while allowing normal charging operations to proceed under appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging module acts as an intermediary between the power source and the capacitor. It detects improper charging conditions and MRI exposure, and terminates charging accordingly, thereby protecting the power source and components from adverse effects while still enabling energy storage when conditions are appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If charging is terminated when improper charging conditions or MRI exposure is detected, then component stress is reduced, but charging efficiency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protection from stressVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution reduces the undesirable impact of unusual operating conditions on the implantable medical device by adjusting charging algorithms based on transient or non-transient conditions, ensuring efficient energy storage and extending the device's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

detect a condition indicative of the implantable medical device being subjected to fields generated by an MRI device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9283397B2Charge control for high voltage therapy energy storage component

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides an implantable medical device comprising a power source a therapy module that includes at least one energy storage component, and a charging module coupled between the power source and the therapy module. The charging module is configured to control charging of the at least one energy storage component of the therapy module. The charging module may be further configured to detect a condition indicative of improper charging, to detect a condition indicative of the implantable medical device being subjected to fields generated by an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, and to terminate charging of the at least one energy storage component when both the condition indicative of improper charging and the condition indicative of the implantable medical device being subjected to fields generated by the MRI device are detected.