Implant Housing Alignment Feature for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implanted medical devices face challenges in efficient power transfer due to limited internal power sources and the need for frequent recharging, as conventional transcutaneous energy transfer methods require precise alignment of induction coils, which is difficult to achieve under the skin.
Innovation Solution
A wireless energy transfer system with an implant device and an external charger, where the implant device has a housing with a feature accessible through the skin for mechanical alignment with a mating member on the external charger, ensuring proper alignment for efficient energy transfer using energy transmitting and receiving elements, such as coils, RF, ultrasonic, or optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transcutaneous energy transfer is used to power implanted devices, then the need for internal power sources is reduced, but the alignment between external and internal coils becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical coupling device with a external component and an internal component is introduced as an intermediary between the external charger and implanted device. The external component has a coupling element that engages with a corresponding element on the internal component, serving as a mediator to transmit alignment information and guide the external coil into proper alignment with the internal coil, thereby solving the alignment difficulty while maintaining power transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely electromagnetic alignment system with a hybrid system that incorporates mechanical coupling elements. The mechanical coupling device provides physical guidance and constraint, substituting the need for complex electromagnetic field-based alignment with simpler mechanical engagement, making the alignment process more intuitive and easier to perform
2Duration of action of stationary object
If internal power sources are used in implanted devices, then continuous operation is enabled, but the size and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two parts: a small internal power source within the implanted device for continuous operation and an external power source in the charger for recharging. This segmentation allows the implanted device to maintain continuous operation with minimal internal power capacity, reducing its weight, while the external charger provides the bulk power storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a small internal power source for immediate continuous operation and a wireless power reception capability for external recharging. This universal design allows the device to function continuously using either power source, eliminating the need for a large single power source and reducing overall device weight
3Duration of action of stationary object
If internal power sources are used in implanted devices, then continuous operation is enabled, but the internal power sources need frequent recharging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by maintaining the implanted device in a ready-to-operate state through wireless power transfer. The mechanical coupling device ensures consistent and reliable power transfer during charging, allowing the internal power source to be continuously replenished without interruption to the device's operational readiness, thereby eliminating frequent recharging cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The external charger is designed to recharge the internal power source in advance before it is depleted. The mechanical coupling device with its engagement elements allows the charging process to begin before the internal power is exhausted, ensuring the device is always ready for operation without waiting for recharging, thus eliminating loss of time
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
Facilitates reliable and efficient wireless energy transfer to implanted devices, reducing the need for frequent recharging and improving power management by ensuring proper alignment and secure connection between the external charger and implant device, thereby enhancing the operational longevity of implanted medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
A primary or charging coil may be aligned externally with the receiving coil for transcutaneous energy transfer (TET). TET involves power transfer across the skin without direct electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 2
A secondary or receiving coil is implanted within the body. A primary or charging coil may be aligned externally with the receiving coil for transcutaneous energy transfer (TET).
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
AI summary
An implant device (110) includes a housing (140) and an energy receiving element (115) disposed in the housing. The energy receiving element (115) is configured to be electrically connected to an energy-consuming device (165). The implant device (110) is configured to be mounted within a body of a human or non-human animal. The housing (140) includes a feature (180) configured to be accessible through skin (120) of the animal and to receive a corresponding mating member (190) of an external charger (130) including an energy transmitting element (135). The energy receiving element (115) is configured to receive energy wirelessly from the energy transmitting element (135) when the external charger (130) is mated with the housing (140).