Implant Charger Coil Alignment Using Inner-Outer Sensor Amplitudes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting alignment between an external charger and an implantable medical device are complex and require high processing power.
Innovation Solution
An alignment detector computes an alignment value based on the ratio of amplitudes detected by inner and outer sensor members, using a power transmitter and sensor coils to determine the degree of alignment, and generates visual or audio indicators for alignment feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional alignment detection methods are used, then alignment detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external charger is divided into multiple sensor members (inner sensor member and outer sensor member) that are spatially segmented and independently positioned. Each sensor member detects magnetic field amplitudes from the receiver coil, and their combined signals provide comprehensive alignment information without requiring complex individual sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor members as intermediary components that indirectly detect alignment through magnetic field amplitude measurements. Instead of directly tracking position or using complex imaging systems, the sensor members serve as mediators that convert physical alignment into measurable electrical signals (amplitudes) that can be processed to determine alignment status
2Use of energy by moving object
If simple alignment detection methods are used, then processing power is reduced, but alignment detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or computational alignment detection systems with a magnetic field-based sensing approach. Instead of using motors, actuators, or sophisticated image processing algorithms, the system uses passive sensor members that naturally respond to magnetic field variations, enabling precise alignment detection through simple amplitude ratio calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct position or orientation values to magnetic field amplitude ratios. By measuring the relative amplitudes detected by inner and outer sensor members and computing their ratio, the system achieves precise alignment information through a simplified parameter that requires minimal processing power while maintaining high measurement accuracy
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
Reduces processing power requirements and simplifies alignment detection, providing efficient and user-friendly alignment feedback for wireless power transfer to implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to generate a magnetic field on a transmitter member of the external charger
Implementation Method 2
detecting a first amplitude on an inner sensor member of the external charger; detecting a second amplitude on an outer sensor member of the external charger
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an external charger may include a power converter configured to generate a magnetic field on a transmitter member of the external charger. An external charger may include an alignment detector configured to: detect a first amplitude on an inner sensor member of the external charger, detect a second amplitude on an outer sensor member of the external charger, and compute an alignment value based on the first amplitude and the second amplitude, the alignment value representing a degree of alignment between the transmitter member and a receiver member of the implantable medical device. An external charger may include an indicator generator configured to generate an indicator based on the alignment value.