Implant Wireless Charging With Phase-Change Heat Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active implantable medical devices with disposable lithium batteries require frequent replacement, causing discomfort to patients, and wireless charging methods pose a risk of tissue and organ burns due to heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controllable human body charging apparatus is developed, incorporating a thermally conductive temperature control unit with phase change material to absorb heat from the charging unit, thereby controlling temperature and reducing the risk of burns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If wireless charging using high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field is used to charge secondary rechargeable batteries, then the service life of implantable medical devices is extended, but eddy current and heat generation effect cause risk of internal tissue and organ being burned
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature control unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the charging unit and the patient's body. This unit includes a phase change material that absorbs heat generated during wireless charging, preventing direct thermal contact with surrounding tissues and organs, thus eliminating the harmful thermal effect while preserving the charging function
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control unit utilizes phase change material that undergoes phase transition (e.g., from solid to liquid) at a specific temperature threshold. During this phase transition, the material absorbs latent heat from the charging unit, effectively controlling the temperature and preventing tissue burning while allowing continuous wireless charging operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If disposable lithium batteries are used in active implantable medical devices, then high specific energy density (1000-1300 Wh/L) is achieved, but frequent battery replacement surgery is required every 7-10 years
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by implementing a rechargeable battery with wireless charging capability. Instead of the discontinuous cycle of disposable battery installation and replacement, the rechargeable system allows continuous operation with periodic recharging, eliminating the need for surgical intervention and maintaining uninterrupted medical device functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is extracted from the implantable device itself and separated into an external wireless charging system. This allows the battery to remain implanted while the charging process occurs externally, eliminating the need for surgical battery replacement and enabling non-invasive recharging
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 apparatus effectively controls temperature near the charging site, preventing tissue and organ burns and enhancing the tolerance of the charging unit to wireless charging parameters, thus reducing costs and expanding application range.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature control unit includes a phase change material, and the temperature control unit is configured to absorb heat released by the charging unit
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control unit is configured to absorb heat released by the charging unit
Implementation Method 3
the eddy current and heat generation effect produced by high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field in metal conductor
Implementation Method 4
Wireless charging using the principle of high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controllable human body charging apparatus includes a thermally conductive temperature control unit and a charging unit, where the temperature control unit includes a phase change material, and the temperature control unit is configured to absorb heat released by the charging unit. The charging apparatus can effectively reduce or inhibit the risk of burning organ and tissue in the human body caused by the temperature rise phenomenon of the charging apparatus.