IMD Charger Support for Coil Alignment and Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable medical device (IMD) chargers face challenges in aligning primary and secondary charging coils due to distance and alignment issues, and the securing mechanisms often hinder the sliding motion necessary for proper alignment, leading to reduced efficiency in power transfer.
Innovation Solution
The IMD charger apparatus features a movable charger support that allows the device to be placed against a wearable article or body surface and moved laterally for alignment, with a fastener mechanism that is initially spaced apart to prevent interference during alignment and then secures the charger in place once aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener mechanism is used to secure the IMD charger to the wearable article, then the charger is firmly attached to the body, but the fastener interferes with the sliding motion needed for coil alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The charger support is designed to be movable between a first state (extended) and a second state (retracted), allowing the fastener to be positioned away from the alignment path during coil alignment, then moved into position to secure the charger after alignment is achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The charger support transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, moving between extended and retracted states to accommodate different operational phases: alignment requires the support retracted, while securing requires it extended
2Loss of energy
If the distance between charging coils is minimized to improve power transfer efficiency, then charging efficiency improves, but the charger becomes more difficult to position and align
Solution Approach 1:
The charger support acts as an intermediary element between the charger body and the wearable article, providing a smooth contact surface that facilitates sliding motion while maintaining proper coil alignment, enabling easy positioning without compromising charging efficiency
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 design facilitates easier alignment of charging coils by allowing sliding motion without interference from securing fasteners, enhancing the efficiency of power transfer and user convenience during the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
The primary charging coils of the IMD chargers may be energized to create a magnetic charging field that induces current in the secondary charging coils of the IMDs
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device (IMD) charger apparatus may include an IMD charger including a housing defining a bottom surface, a primary coil located within the housing, and a fastener on the bottom surface of the housing, and a charger support, mounted on the IMD charger, including a bottom surface, and movable between a first state and a second state. The IMD charger and the charger support may be respectively configured such that the IMD charger fastener is above the charger support bottom surface when the charger support is in the first state and the IMD charger fastener is at or below the charger support bottom surface when the charger support is in the second state.