Implant Accessory Positioning Along Body Curvature Without Magnets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic implants, such as neural and cardiac implants, face challenges in maintaining optimal interaction with accessory devices due to incorrect positioning and orientation, leading to poor communication and extended charging times, and the use of magnets can interfere with MRI diagnostics.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device that includes a base, engagement interfaces, drive units, and a controller to move the accessory device in a curved motion along the body contour, optimizing interaction parameters for improved positioning without relying on magnets, thus enhancing communication and charging quality while avoiding MRI artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnets are used to position the accessory device, then positioning is simplified, but MRI diagnostics are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning of accessory deviceVSAvoidMRI interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes magnets from the system entirely, extracting the harmful magnetic field source while maintaining positioning functionality through alternative means (mechanical or electromagnetic coupling without permanent magnets), thereby eliminating MRI interference while preserving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces magnetic positioning mechanisms with alternative positioning methods that do not rely on magnetic fields, such as mechanical coupling or controlled electromagnetic actuation, substituting the magnetic field-based system with a non-magnetic approach to avoid MRI conflicts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the accessory device is held manually in position, then positioning is flexible, but interaction quality deteriorates over time due to user fatigue and involuntary movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidinteraction quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the accessory device can be actively adjusted and repositioned automatically, allowing the system to adapt to movement or changes in position while maintaining optimal interaction quality through real-time control rather than static manual holding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system operates autonomously without requiring continuous user intervention, with the device self-adjusting or self-maintaining its position through automated mechanisms, eliminating user fatigue and involuntary movement issues while preserving positioning flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the accessory device is positioned incorrectly, then device complexity is reduced, but communication quality and charging efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mechanism complexityVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary positioning actions that automatically align the accessory device with the implant before interaction begins, ensuring optimal positioning is achieved in advance through automated guidance or alignment mechanisms, thereby guaranteeing high communication and charging efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4480531A1A method for positioning an accessory device in relation to an interaction interface of an electronic implant, and a related positioning device
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 PRECISIS GMBH
  • EP4480531A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480531A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4480531A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A positioning device is disclosed, for positioning an accessory device in relation to an interaction interface of an electronic implant. The positioning device is configured to be worn by a bearer of the electronic implant. The positioning device comprises a base, one or more engagement interface(s), one or more drive unit(s), the accessory device, and one or more controller for controlling the one or more drive unit(s). The one or more engagement interfaces comprising a first engagement interface movably arranged in relation to the base. The accessory device comprises an interaction interface for interacting with the electronic implant. The accessory device is arranged on the first engagement interface. The positioning device is configured to move the accessory device in a curved motion. The positioning device is configured to obtain an interaction parameter indicative of a quality of an interaction between the accessory device and the electronic implant. The positioning device is configured to position, based on the obtained interaction parameter, the accessory device in relation to the base.