Implantable Device Communication Using Circulator Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powering and communicating with implantable medical devices is challenging due to inefficiencies in inductive coupling, alignment requirements, and variations in device circuitry and tissue properties, which affect charging and communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with a primary antenna and circulator that transmits signals to an implantable medical device, utilizing backscatter signals to determine impedance and frequency adjustments for improved communication efficiency, allowing for concurrent transmission and reception, and processing these signals to optimize charging and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inductive coupling is used to power and communicate with the implantable medical device, then power can be transmitted wirelessly, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment and distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits a probe signal through the circulator to the implantable device, receives the backscatter signal, and processes it to determine optimal impedance and frequency settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously adjusts transmission parameters to maintain optimal communication efficiency despite alignment variations or distance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters including impedance values and frequency based on the processed backscatter signal. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system adapts to varying tissue properties and alignment conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power transmission and ensuring reliable communication.
2Ease of operation
If the coil of the implantable medical device and the external coil are not aligned or oriented properly, then ease of operation is improved, but inductive coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backscatter signal provides feedback about the actual coupling conditions, enabling the system to measure and compensate for misalignment effects. The processor analyzes the backscatter signal characteristics to determine optimal impedance and frequency settings that maximize energy transfer even when coils are misaligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts impedance and frequency parameters based on real-time backscatter signal analysis. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain efficient energy transfer across a range of alignment conditions, transforming a static coupling problem into a dynamically optimized solution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If component value variations and tissue property variations are present, then adaptability is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the backscatter signal as a feedback mechanism to sense variations in component values and tissue properties. By continuously monitoring the backscatter characteristics and adjusting impedance and frequency settings accordingly, the system maintains reliable communication despite variations in the implantable device components or patient tissue properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission parameters including impedance and frequency based on the analyzed backscatter signal. This parameter adaptation allows the system to compensate for component value variations and tissue property variations, maintaining consistent communication efficiency across different patients and device states.
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 approach enhances communication efficiency with implantable medical devices by reducing power consumption and improving charging efficiency through real-time impedance matching and frequency optimization, even in varying tissue conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a primary antenna of the device may transmit a charging signal and/or a communication signal that is received by an antenna of the IMD
Implementation Method 2
A circulator is coupled to the primary antenna. The circulator enables the signal to pass from a transmitter to the primary antenna. The circulator also enables a backscatter signal from the implantable medical device to pass from the primary antenna to a receiver
Implementation Method 3
One of more components of the IMD may generate a backscatter signal in response to the signal
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a primary antenna configured to communicate a signal to an antenna of an implantable medical device (IMD). A circulator is coupled to the primary antenna. The circulator enables the signal to pass from a transmitter to the primary antenna. The circulator also enables a backscatter signal from the IMD to pass from the primary antenna to a receiver. A processor coupled to the receiver. The processor configured to determine, based on the backscatter signal, an improved impedance value for a component of the IMD and/or an improved frequency for the signal communicated to the IMD, to improve communication efficiency of the signal to the IMD.