Far-Field Charging Antenna Tuning for Wearable Medical Heat Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices with rechargeable batteries, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, require frequent recharging, which disrupts their operation and can cause discomfort or overheating when worn on the body due to inefficient power transfer.

Innovation Solution

A system that wirelessly charges these devices using far-field electromagnetic waves, dynamically adjusting the power-transfer efficiency based on the device's proximity to the body, detuning the antenna to manage heat generation and maintain optimal charging efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless charging is used to charge medical devices, then charging convenience is improved, but heat generation increases causing discomfort and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of power transfer efficiency based on real-time proximity detection. When the medical device is detected to be close to the body, the system automatically reduces power transfer efficiency to minimize heat generation. When the device is far from the body, the system increases power transfer efficiency to optimize charging speed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between charging convenience and heat generation safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power transfer efficiency parameter based on the distance between the medical device and the body. By detecting proximity and adjusting the power transfer efficiency parameter accordingly, the system optimizes charging performance while preventing excessive heat generation that would cause discomfort or safety issues. This parameter adjustment strategy directly addresses the contradiction between convenient wireless charging and heat-related harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If power transfer efficiency is increased to speed up charging, then charging time is reduced, but heat generation increases causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power transfer efficiency based on proximity conditions. When the medical device is far from the body, the system operates at high power transfer efficiency to maximize charging speed. When the device approaches or contacts the body, the system automatically reduces power transfer efficiency to prevent excessive heat generation. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt charging speed to safety conditions, resolving the contradiction between charging productivity and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If the antenna is tuned for maximum power transfer, then charging efficiency is improved, but heat generation increases when near the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power transfer efficiency parameter based on the detected proximity between the medical device and the body. When far from the body, the antenna is tuned for maximum power transfer efficiency to minimize energy loss. When near the body, the system adjusts the parameter to reduce power transfer efficiency and consequently reduce heat generation. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and heat-related harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances patient comfort and safety by reducing heat generation and optimizing charging efficiency, while prolonging battery life and conserving energy.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical power from a transmission antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

detuning the antenna to manage heat generation and maintain optimal charging efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntenna detuning: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20260039150A1Far-field wireless charging of medical devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

Techniques are described for wirelessly charging a wearable or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the techniques may involve determining a relative proximity of a medical device to a body of a patient. The techniques may further involve determining a power-transfer efficiency based on the relative proximity of the medical device to the body of the patient. The techniques may further involve tuning a receiving antenna of the medical device based on the determined power-transfer efficiency.