Dual Power Regulator Switch for Implantable Device Battery Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices face challenges in extending the life of non-rechargeable batteries, which limits their operational time and often require removal after battery depletion, as they cannot be recharged once implanted.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power regulation circuit with high and low load power regulators and a regulator switch that dynamically adjusts current levels based on the device's state and power requirements, allowing for efficient power conservation by providing higher current only when needed and reducing overall power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a non-rechargeable battery is used in an implantable device, then the device can be implanted without recharging capability, but the battery lifetime is limited and the device must be removed after battery depletion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifetimeVSAvoiddevice permanence

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power regulation circuit dynamically adjusts the current level provided to the processor based on operational state. A regulator switch transitions between a high load power regulator and a low load power regulator, enabling the system to adapt power consumption to actual needs and extend battery lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameter (current level) provided to the processor by switching between different power regulators. The high load power regulator provides a first current level while the low load power regulator provides a second, lower current level, allowing optimization of power consumption based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If high current is continuously provided to the processor, then the device operates at full performance, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor powerVSAvoidbattery lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides high current only when necessary for full processor performance, rather than continuously. The low load power regulator provides sufficient current for basic operations at lower power consumption, applying partial action principle to extend battery life while maintaining acceptable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If a single power regulator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot efficiently manage different power states and consumes more power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower regulation circuitVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power regulation system is segmented into multiple specialized components: a high load power regulator for high current requirements, a low load power regulator for low current requirements, and a regulator switch for transitioning between them. This segmentation allows efficient power management across different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-regulator system provides universal power regulation capability across different load conditions. The regulator switch enables the system to universally handle both high load and low load scenarios with appropriately optimized regulators, improving overall power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9242109B2Apparatus and methods facilitating power regulation for an implantable device

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods configured to perform power regulation for an implantable device are presented. In an aspect, an implantable device can include a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the implantable device and a circuit disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include a high load power regulator configured to provide a first current level to components of the implantable device and a low load power regulator configured to provide a second current level to components of the implantable device, wherein the second current level is lower that the first current level. The circuit can also include a regulator switch configured to enable or disable current draw from the high load power regulator and the low load power regulator as a function of power state and associated power requirement of the components of the implantable device.