Implant Inductive Power Transfer With Coupling-Based Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive energy supply systems for implanted medical devices struggle to rapidly adjust the amount of energy transferred to meet the device's needs.
Innovation Solution
A medical system with internal and external components that includes a primary coil for energy transmission, a control unit for energy control, and an energy receiver with a secondary coil, which adjusts energy transfer based on feedback parameters such as energy balance, coupling factor, and regulator differences to optimize energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive energy supply is used for implanted medical devices, then energy can be transmitted wirelessly to the implantable parts, but the amount of energy supplied cannot be adjusted rapidly enough to meet the device's needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the implanted device measures the received energy level and transmits this information back to the external energy source. The external control unit receives this feedback and adjusts the energy transmission parameters accordingly, enabling rapid adaptation to the device's actual energy needs while maintaining wireless operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static energy transmission to dynamic energy adjustment by continuously monitoring the energy balance and coupling factor, and modifying transmission parameters in real-time based on these measurements, allowing the energy supply to adapt rapidly to changing conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy is transmitted inductively from an external source, then the implantable parts can receive energy without a battery, but heat is generated that can affect patient comfort and tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the energy balance and detects when excess energy would cause harmful heating. The feedback loop transmits this information to the external control unit, which reduces the transmitted energy level to maintain safe temperature levels while still providing sufficient power to the implantable device
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters including energy level and frequency based on measured conditions. When tissue temperature or energy imbalance indicates potential harm, the system adjusts these parameters to reduce heat generation while maintaining effective energy delivery
3Power
If the energy transmission is increased to meet higher device power demands, then the medical device can function more effectively, but the coupling factor variability causes unpredictable energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual coupling factor between the external and implantable coils and uses this measurement to calculate the precise amount of energy being transmitted. This feedback information allows the external control unit to compensate for coupling variations and maintain predictable energy delivery even when transmission power is increased
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical adjustment methods with electromagnetic field-based measurement and control. By using the coupling factor as a measurable parameter and adjusting energy transmission through controlled electromagnetic field modifications rather than mechanical changes, the system achieves more precise and reliable energy delivery
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
Enables rapid and efficient energy adjustment to match the device's requirements, minimizing heat production and optimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The external parts comprise an energy source which is equipped with a primary coil for inductively transmitting energy to the implantable parts
Implementation Method 2
an energy receiver equipped with a secondary coil for inductively receiving energy for the medical device from the external energy source
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system comprising internal parts for implantation in a patient and external parts for use externally to the patient is provided. The external parts comprises an external energy source for wirelessly transmitting energy to the internal parts. The internal parts comprises an electrically powered medical device, an energy receiver for receiving energy for the medical device from the external energy source, and an internal control unit for controlling the internal parts. The internal control unit is adapted to determine at least one parameter relating to the wireless energy transfer, wherein the internal control unit is arranged to control the energy transfer based on the at least one parameter.