Convertible Inductive Coil for Wireless Implant Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless energy transfer systems for powering implanted devices, such as ventricular assist devices, are inefficient due to sensitivity to misalignment and require the external transmitter coil to be worn by the patient, leading to discomfort and potential power loss.
Innovation Solution
A convertible wireless energy transfer system that transitions between near and distant power transfer configurations, using a convertible inductive coil that can couple directly to a power source for near transfer and non-galvanically couple with an implanted receiver coil for distant transfer, allowing efficient energy transfer from a transmitter coil located at a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the external transmitter coil is worn by the patient in close proximity to the implanted receiver coil, then the efficiency of power transfer is improved, but the patient experiences discomfort and reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power transfer function into two modes: near field inductive transfer (when coil is worn) and far field electromagnetic transfer (when coil is removed). This segmentation allows the system to maintain efficiency when needed while providing comfort freedom when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The convertible coil is designed to dynamically switch between two operational configurations: galvanically coupled to power source for near transfer, and non-galvanically coupled for distant transfer. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either efficiency or comfort based on situational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the transmitter coil is positioned at a distance from the receiver coil, then patient comfort and mobility are improved, but the efficiency of power transfer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the coil based on distance requirements. When distant positioning is needed for comfort, the coil operates in far field mode with different electrical characteristics than when worn in near field mode, optimizing performance for each scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coils are misaligned axially or radially, then the system becomes more adaptable to movement, but the efficiency of power transfer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The convertible configuration allows the system to adapt dynamically to alignment conditions. The ability to switch between near and far field modes provides resilience against misalignment, as the far field mode inherently tolerates positioning variations better than near field inductive coupling.
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 increases the efficiency of power transfer by allowing the convertible coil and receiver coil to operate as a single coupled unit, reducing alignment issues and providing greater comfort and mobility for patients, as the external power source can be removed during distant transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a convertible inductive coil, worn by an individual, generates and inductively transmits electromagnetic power to an implanted receiver inductive coil
Implementation Method 2
the convertible inductive coil transitions from direct power transfer to passive power transfer. For passive power transfer, the convertible inductive coil non-galvanically couples to the receiver inductive coil such that the convertible inductive coil and receiver inductive coil together form a single coupled receiver coil
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the invention generally involve a convertible power transfer system for supplying wireless energy to an implant. According to certain aspect, a system of the invention includes a convertible inductive coil and a receiver inductive coil. The convertible inductive coil may be disposed externally on a body of a patient and to inductively transmit electromagnetic power. The convertible inductive coil transitions between direct electromagnetic power transfer and passive electromagnetic power transfer. The receiver inductive coil can be implanted within the body and provides received electromagnetic power to the implant. The convertible inductive coil, during passive electromagnetic power transfer, couples to the receiver inductive coil such that the convertible inductive coil and receiver inductive coil operate together as single receiver inductive coil that receives inductively transferred electromagnetic power from a distant transmitter inductive coil.