Coupled Resonators for Wireless Medical Device Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer systems face limitations due to safety concerns, low energy transfer efficiencies, and restrictive physical proximity/alignment requirements for medical equipment and surgical devices, which are cumbersome due to wired connections, leading to cable management issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless energy transfer using coupled resonators, which include magnetic resonators with inductors and capacitors, allowing for energy transfer over distances without physical connections, and the use of impedance matching networks to optimize energy exchange, enabling efficient power delivery to medical and surgical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wireless energy transfer using coupled resonators is implemented, then energy transfer efficiency is improved and physical proximity requirements are relaxed, but system complexity increases due to the need for resonator coupling and impedance matching networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupled resonators as intermediary elements that mediate the energy transfer between the power source and the medical device. The resonators create an oscillating magnetic field that couples the transmitter and receiver, enabling efficient wireless power transfer without direct physical connection. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled energy transfer path that maintains efficiency while eliminating the need for complex wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs impedance matching networks that dynamically adjust electrical parameters (inductance, capacitance, resistance) to optimize the coupling between resonators. By changing these parameters in real-time based on load conditions and distance, the system maintains high energy transfer efficiency across varying operating conditions. This parameter adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different medical device power requirements while minimizing energy loss.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used for medical equipment, then power delivery is reliable, but cable management becomes cumbersome and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. The coupled resonators generate and detect oscillating magnetic fields to transmit power without physical contact. This substitution eliminates cable management issues and enhances operational flexibility while maintaining reliable power delivery through the robustness of resonant coupling, which is less susceptible to environmental interference compared to traditional wired connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless energy transfer over larger distances is enabled, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic impedance matching and resonant frequency tuning that automatically adapts to changes in distance and load conditions. As the distance between resonators increases, the system dynamically adjusts the resonant frequency and impedance parameters to maintain optimal coupling. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to operate efficiently over a wide range of distances, from close proximity to larger separations, thereby enhancing operational flexibility without significant efficiency loss.
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 provides efficient and safe wireless energy transfer to medical and surgical devices, reducing cable management issues and enhancing operational flexibility by allowing energy transfer over larger distances and varying geometries, while minimizing heat dissipation and maintaining system performance.
Implementation Method 1
wireless energy transfer using coupled resonators, which include magnetic resonators with inductors and capacitors
Implementation Method 2
wireless energy transfer using coupled resonators
Implementation Method 3
magnetic resonators with inductors and capacitors
Implementation Method 4
magnetic resonators with inductors and capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless energy transfer devices and systems for medical environments include, in at least some implementations, a wirelessly powered surgical device including: a device resonator configured to generate an oscillating voltage from a captured oscillating magnetic field; and a surgical tool electrically coupled to the device resonator, the surgical tool having a functional output that is capable of being directly powered by the oscillating voltage, and the surgical tool having a rechargeable battery backup; wherein the oscillating voltage is at least 30 volts and has a frequency of at least 1 kHz. Wireless energy transfer is utilized to eliminate cords and power cables from operating instruments and electronic equipment, facilitating mobility.