Emergency Wired Backup for Implanted Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless energy transfer for implanted medical devices is hindered by concerns over safety and reliability, leading to the preference for wired connections despite the inconvenience of external battery packs and infection risks associated with them.
Innovation Solution
A safety mechanism involving a shallowly-implanted female receiving unit and an external male inserting plug unit that allows for a wired connection in emergency situations, ensuring power and communication can be supplied to implanted devices when wireless transfer fails, using alignment and 'dummy-proof' measures to ensure correct orientation and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless energy transfer is used to power implanted medical devices, then the convenience is improved (no external battery pack needed), but the reliability and safety deteriorate (connection failures, infection risks)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power delivery mechanism into two independent segments: a wireless energy transfer system for normal operation and a separate wired backup connection system for emergency situations. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function while providing redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a wired backup connection system that is pre-installed and ready for use before any failure occurs. This cushioning mechanism ensures that if the wireless system fails, an alternative power delivery method is immediately available, preventing complete system failure.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used to power implanted medical devices, then the reliability is improved (stable power delivery), but the ease of operation deteriorates (external battery pack must be constantly worn and monitored)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between wireless and wired power delivery modes based on operational needs and system status. The wired connection serves as a dynamic backup that can be activated when needed, rather than a permanent fixed state, allowing the system to adapt to different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wired backup connection uses a simple, inexpensive design that prioritizes reliability over convenience. The external connector is designed to be basic and functional rather than sophisticated, accepting that it will remain unused during normal operation but providing critical backup capability when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless energy transfer is used, then the infection risk is reduced (no external wire connection), but the safety deteriorates (no backup for wireless connection failures)
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the primary wireless power delivery function from the backup wired connection function, allowing each to be optimized for its specific advantages while mitigating their respective disadvantages through independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter from wireless to wired when switching to backup mode, fundamentally altering the physical connection method to provide different safety and reliability characteristics when needed.
4Reliability
If a wired backup connection system is added, then the safety is improved (backup power available), but the device complexity increases (additional components and procedures)
Solution Approach 1:
The wired backup connection components are extracted as a separate, independent subsystem from the main wireless power delivery system. This extraction allows the backup system to be implemented with minimal integration into the primary system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining safety.
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
Provides a reliable backup power and communication solution for implanted medical devices, enhancing safety and reducing the need for constant external battery pack monitoring, while ensuring efficient and secure wired connections in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitter or transceiver that is designed to be placed external to the patient's body can be used to wirelessly send power into the patient's body where that wirelessly-transferred power is then received by an implanted receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to safety precautions and mechanisms, particularly in connection with a wireless energy transfer system which involves the use of a transmitter (or transceiver) external to a patient's body and also a receiver implanted within a part of the patient's body.