Concave Inductive Coil Geometry for Misalignment-Tolerant Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices with implantable components face challenges in wireless signal transfer due to the need for alignment and the use of magnets, which can add bulk and are not MRI-compatible, limiting the efficiency of power and data transfer between external and implantable coils.

Innovation Solution

The use of inductive coils with concave portions allows for efficient wireless signal transfer between external and implantable devices without the need for magnets, enabling communication even with angular offsets, thereby providing an alternative to traditional magnet-based systems and accommodating MRI compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional magnet-based systems are used for wireless signal transfer, then alignment between external and implantable coils can be achieved, but the device bulk increases and MRI compatibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes magnets from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused bulk and MRI incompatibility. The solution uses pure inductive coupling between external and implantable coils without any magnetic retention mechanisms, eliminating the source of the contradiction while maintaining signal transfer functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical magnet-based alignment system with an inductive coupling system. Instead of using physical magnets to hold and align components, the system uses electromagnetic fields for both retention and signal transfer, substituting a mechanical approach with an electromagnetic one that avoids the drawbacks of magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional circular coils are used, then manufacturing is simple, but coupling factor and signal transfer efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling factorVSAvoidcoil geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric coil geometries, specifically D-shaped and reniform-shaped coils, to optimize the coupling factor between external and implantable coils. The asymmetric shape allows better conformal contact and magnetic field overlap compared to conventional circular coils, improving signal transfer efficiency while remaining manufacturable through standard PCB or wire-winding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses curved coil geometries including D-shaped and reniform-shaped designs that conform to the curved surfaces of the implantable device housing and the recipient's anatomy. This curvature optimization enhances the coupling factor by maximizing the surface area in close proximity between external and implantable coils, improving inductive coupling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If angular offsets between coils are present, then device placement flexibility is needed, but conventional coils lose coupling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidsignal transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the coil geometry actively compensates for angular offsets. The D-shaped and reniform-shaped coils are designed with specific curvature radii and angular dimensions that maintain optimal magnetic field coupling even when angular misalignment occurs during device placement, allowing the system to adapt to various placement scenarios while maintaining signal transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the coils, including curvature radii, angular dimensions, and side lengths, to maintain coupling efficiency across a range of angular offsets. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves placement flexibility without sacrificing signal transfer reliability, as the optimized geometry compensates for misalignment through enhanced field distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the efficiency of signal transfer, increases coupling factor, and reduces the need for complex circuitry, improving battery life and device longevity while allowing for alignment flexibility and MRI compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

transcutaneously transferring signals between the behind-the-ear device and the implantable component via the external concave coil and the implantable coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240350816A1Devices with integrated concave coils

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

Devices having an inductive coil configured to be positioned proximate to an inductive coil in a secondary device (e.g., an implantable component) for the transfer of signals (e.g., power signals and/or data signals) there between. One or more of the inductive coils includes at least one concave portion formed into the shape/perimeter thereof.