Current Leakage Detection in Implanted Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As implanted devices become increasingly complex, existing methods for detecting DC current leakage are inefficient and difficult to manage, leading to potential injuries from electrolysis and irreversible redox reactions, as they require extensive time and power to check for various failure modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure current flows in implanted devices by comparing currents through predetermined points in the circuit, using current monitoring devices and a comparator to detect any absolute difference greater than a predetermined margin, indicating current leakage, thereby simplifying fault detection and reducing the need for extensive diagnostic processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used to check for specific failure modes, then current leakage can be detected, but the device complexity and power consumption increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection principle from complex traditional methods by using a single current monitoring device that measures current at one point and compares it to a reference value. This eliminates the need for multiple monitoring devices and complex diagnostic software, while still achieving reliable detection of current leakage regardless of its cause.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device performs multiple functions: it detects current leakage, determines its magnitude, and can trigger alarm signals or device shutdown. A single device thus replaces multiple specialized detection systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used to check for specific failure modes, then current leakage can be detected, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function into a single monitoring device that consumes minimal power compared to multiple active monitoring systems. The device only needs to measure current and compare it to a reference, eliminating the need for extensive diagnostic processes that would consume additional power.
3Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used with programmed fault checks, then specific failure modes can be detected, but the detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function to a continuous monitoring system that provides immediate detection of current leakage. The monitoring device operates continuously and compares current measurements in real-time, eliminating the time delays associated with periodic fault checks and diagnostic software processing.
4Volume of moving object
If devices become smaller and more implantable, then implantability improves, but the potential for electrical failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is integrated directly into the implanted device, allowing it to self-monitor its own current consumption and detect failures. This self-service capability ensures that even as devices become smaller and more complex, they maintain their own safety monitoring without requiring external monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved arrangement for detecting DC current leakage in implanted devices is disclosed. Currents are monitored, so that any unexpected imbalance indicates that a fault condition has occurred. The principle of the system is that if everything working correctly, the same current should be flowing into the tissue from VDDH-ELEC as is passing out of the tissue into VSS_ELEC. Any difference is indicative of current flowing into or out of the tissue from unknown paths, which is indicative of some fault. This replaces routine monitoring for specific faults.