Implant Charger Alignment Feedback for Efficient Inductive Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for implanted medical devices lack precision alignment features, leading to inefficient recharging and excessive heat generation due to suboptimal coil alignment, which is particularly problematic for sacral neuromodulation systems implanted in the lower back/upper buttock region.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides real-time alignment indicators, including visual, audio, and haptic feedback, to facilitate precise alignment between the external charging device and the implanted medical device, ensuring optimal charging efficiency and reducing recharging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional charging devices only indicate acceptable alignment limits, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment indicator is divided into multiple segments: a first indicator showing whether alignment is within acceptable limits, and a second indicator showing the degree of alignment precision. This segmentation allows the system to provide detailed alignment guidance without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses charging parameters as an intermediary to indirectly measure alignment quality. By analyzing parameters such as charging efficiency, current, and voltage during the charging process, the system can determine alignment precision without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If precision alignment indicators are added to the charging device, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through multiple indicators: the first indicator gives feedback on whether alignment is acceptable, and the second indicator provides feedback on the degree of precision. This feedback mechanism enables users to adjust alignment dynamically without requiring complex automated adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment measurement mechanisms with electrical and computational methods. By using charging parameters and processing algorithms to determine alignment precision, the system achieves high measurement precision while keeping the physical device structure relatively simple.
3Loss of information
If multiple alignment indicators are provided, then the alignment guidance quality is improved, but the loss of information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each indicator serves a specific local function: the first indicator addresses the binary question of acceptable vs. unacceptable alignment, while the second indicator addresses the quantitative aspect of alignment precision. This local quality differentiation ensures that each indicator provides targeted information without redundancy.
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 enables accurate alignment, minimizing heat generation and recharging time, enhancing patient comfort and charging efficiency by providing intuitive, interactive guidance for precise coil positioning.
Implementation Method 1
external charging devices that transcutaneously transfer energy to the implanted device are used to power the implanted device or to recharge a rechargeable battery of the implanted device. Such external charging devices typically utilize a charging coil that inductively couples with an internal coil of the implanted medical device.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for improving alignment of a charging device with an implanted medical device are disclosed herein. The system can include an external charging device that communicates one or more charge parameters during charging to a user device having an alignment feature that is embodied in a software application that displays a real-time charging efficiency indicator based on the charge parameters. This alignment feature allows determination of an optimal position by observing charging efficiency while moving the charging device during charging. The application and device may be configured for use by a specialist, such as a field technician or representative of the device provider, to aid the patient. The system can further include a charging device configured for use with the application and having additional charging functionality. The alignment feature may be included for training and/or troubleshooting charging alignment problems experienced by certain patients.