Far-Field Charging Antenna Tuning for Wearable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable and implantable medical devices require frequent battery recharging, which can be inconvenient and may lead to device overheating when in close proximity to the patient's body.
Innovation Solution
A system for wirelessly charging medical devices using far-field, microwave-spectrum electromagnetic waves, with a receiving antenna that can be dynamically tuned based on the device's proximity to the patient's body to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless charging is implemented using fixed tuning, then charging efficiency is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to overheating risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tuning of the receiving antenna based on real-time detection of device proximity to the patient's body. When the device is detected to be proximate to the body, the system automatically detunes the antenna to reduce power transfer efficiency, thereby preventing overheating while maintaining safe operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high charging efficiency and ensuring patient safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is constantly monitored for proximity, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic self-monitoring through sensors that detect device proximity to the patient's body without requiring external intervention. The processor automatically processes sensor data, determines proximity status, and adjusts antenna tuning accordingly. This self-service approach enhances patient safety while minimizing the need for complex external monitoring infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the receiving antenna is detuned during patient proximity, then patient comfort is improved, but charging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of device proximity to the patient's body and adjusts antenna tuning in periodic cycles. During periods when the device is not proximate to the body, full charging power is applied to maximize charging speed. When proximity is detected, the system temporarily detunes the antenna to reduce power transfer, then retunes when proximity ends. This periodic adjustment strategy balances patient comfort with efficient charging throughput over time.
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
The system allows for safe and efficient wireless charging of medical devices, reducing the risk of overheating and improving patient comfort, while also enabling simultaneous charging and operation of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical power via far-field, microwave-spectrum electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
modify a tuning of the receiving antenna based on the monitored relative proximity... automatically 'detune' the receiving antenna when the device determines that the medical device is relatively proximate to the body
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for wirelessly charging a wearable or implantable medical device, such as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and/or an insulin pump. In some examples, the medical device includes: a rechargeable battery; a receiving antenna configured to wirelessly receive electrical power from a transmission antenna; charging circuitry configured to recharge the rechargeable battery using the electrical power received by the receiving antenna; and one or more processors configured to: determine a relative proximity of the medical device to a body of a patient; determine, based at least in part on the relative proximity, a tuning for the receiving antenna; and cause the receiving antenna to be tuned according to the determined tuning.