Implantable Stimulation Therapy with Midfield Wireless Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless powering methods for implantable electronics, such as near-field coupling, face challenges due to bulky external devices, limited miniaturization, and inefficient energy transfer, necessitating a more efficient and compact solution for both power and data communication with implantable therapy devices.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an external midfield powering source with sub-wavelength structures to generate a propagating field inside the body, coupled with an implantable device featuring a flexible, biocompatible design and surface acoustic wave technology for efficient energy delivery and data communication, enabling targeted therapy and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If near-field coupling method is used for wireless powering, then power transfer can be achieved, but the external device becomes bulky and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from near-field coupling to far-field radiative electromagnetic energy transfer, fundamentally changing the operating parameters including frequency range and field type. This enables the external device to be worn as flexible clothing rather than bulky equipment, while maintaining adequate power transfer for implantable devices
2Loss of energy
If near-field coupling method is used for wireless powering, then power transfer can be achieved, but the implanted device cannot be miniaturized beyond superficial depths
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from near-field to far-field electromagnetic coupling and operating at higher frequencies, the patent enables power transfer to implants at greater depths. This parameter change allows significant miniaturization of the implanted device, reducing it to sizes suitable for deep tissue placement while maintaining energy transfer efficiency
3Volume of moving object
If far-field radiative method is used for wireless powering, then miniaturization is enabled, but energy transfer efficiency is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes far-field radiative transfer by selecting specific frequency ranges and electromagnetic field characteristics that balance miniaturization capabilities with adequate energy transfer efficiency. This enables compact implant design while maintaining sufficient power delivery for therapeutic functions
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
This approach allows for efficient wireless power and data communication, facilitating compact and effective therapy delivery to specific body locations while overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The RF signals are selected to manipulate an evanescent field (e.g., an oscillating electric and/or magnetic field that does not propagate as an electromagnetic wave) outside of the tissue (e.g., outside a surface of the skin) to thereby generate a propagating field inside the tissue beneath the surface of the skin
Implementation Method 2
A method performed by an implantable device comprises wirelessly receiving an electromagnetic wave at an antenna of the implantable device, the electromagnetic wave including alternating active periods and non-active periods
Implementation Method 3
providing the rectified electromagnetic wave to a surface acoustic wave device electrically coupled to the antenna and buffering, using the surface acoustic wave device, the provided electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided.