Dual-Purpose Inductive Element for Miniaturized Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electronic devices, such as implantable medical devices, face challenges in space constraints and high power consumption, requiring efficient power management and communication methods.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a dual-purpose inductor that functions as both an antenna for communication and an inductive element for power conversion, allowing the power converter to be switched off during communication, using radio access and power management protocols, and employing a controllable switch to toggle between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate components are used for communication antenna and power conversion in miniaturized devices, then communication and power functions can be performed independently, but the device size increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive element is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both the antenna for receiving communication signals and as the inductive element for power conversion in the switching regulator. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components while maintaining both communication and power functions, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and functional versatility
2Reliability
If the power converter operates continuously to ensure power availability, then power supply stability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between power conversion mode and communication mode based on operational requirements. The power converter is activated only when power conversion is needed and switched off during communication reception, creating a periodic operation pattern that maintains power supply stability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the inductor is used for power conversion, then efficient power management is achieved, but it cannot simultaneously receive communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the inductive element between two operational states: power conversion mode for efficient power management and communication mode for signal reception. This dynamic switching capability allows the single inductive element to fulfill both functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between power management efficiency and communication reception capability
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 approach reduces the number of components and enhances power efficiency by enabling the double use of a single component, thereby addressing space and power consumption issues in miniaturized devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power source for powering the device inductively from an external source
Implementation Method 2
an inductor, or pick up coil, in the power management circuitry of an electronic device can also be used to receive a predominantly inductive field
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device comprising an inductive element configured to function in a communication mode as an antenna for picking up communication signals, and in a power conversion mode as an inductive element configured to be the energy storage inductor in a switching regulator used for conditioning the power available from an internal power source to power for powering the device, and a controllable switch for switching between said communication mode and said power conversion mode. The communications system further comprises a controllable switch for connecting said inductive element to either said receiver or said power conversion circuit. The controllable switch switches the system between the communication mode and the power conversion mode by means of unipolar or bipolar transistor switches or by mechanical switches or relays. The communication system may be used in an in-vivo medical device.