External Unit Mode Switching for Implanted Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implanted medical devices, such as hearing prostheses, face challenges in determining the operational mode between being coupled and uncoupled with their external units, affecting power and signal transmission efficiency and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the operational mode of an external unit by assessing coupling with an implanted unit, switching between a power transmission mode and a command signal mode based on proximity, using inductive coils and transceivers for communication, and user interface inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the external unit operates in power transmission mode when coupled to the implanted unit, then power and signal transmission efficiency is improved, but the device cannot perform remote communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The external unit dynamically switches between first operating mode (power transmission) and second operating mode (remote communication) based on coupling status with the implanted unit. When coupled, it operates in power transmission mode for efficient energy transfer; when uncoupled, it switches to communication mode to send command signals to electronic devices, thus adapting its function to operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the external unit switches operating modes based on coupling status, then device versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the coupling status detection to automatically determine and switch between operating modes. The external unit monitors whether it is coupled to the implanted unit and uses this feedback information to select the appropriate mode (power transmission or remote communication), eliminating the need for complex manual control logic.
3Power
If the external unit uses inductive coils for power transfer, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but the device cannot communicate with remote electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The external unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both power transmission via inductive coils and remote communication via transceiver. By incorporating both functionalities in a single device and switching between them based on coupling status, the system achieves universal operation for both implanted device powering and external electronic device control.
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
Ensures efficient power delivery and command functionality between the external and implanted units, allowing for proper operation and user control regardless of coupling status, enhancing the performance and usability of implanted medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coil configured to inductively transfer at least a power signal to an implanted unit
Implementation Method 2
The transceiver is configured to transmit a control signal to an electronic device via the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A method, systems, and devices are disclosed. An example method includes determining whether an external unit of an implanted medical device is coupled to an implanted unit of the implanted medical device. In response to determining that the external unit is coupled to the implanted unit, the example method includes causing the external unit to operate in a first operating mode. In response to determining that the external unit is not coupled to the implanted unit, the example method includes causing the external unit to operate in a second operating mode.