Wireless Implant Power Transfer With Pulse Train Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the amount of wireless energy transferred to implanted medical devices lack precision, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potential tissue damage due to excessive energy absorption, which can cause temperature increases and disrupt device operation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves varying the width of energy pulses with constant frequency and amplitude using Pulse Width Modulation Technique (PWMT) to control the power transferred from an external energy transmitting coil to an internal receiver, allowing for precise adjustment of energy delivery based on energy balance feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the transfer efficiency is increased by positioning the primary coil close to the secondary coil, then the energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the temperature increase and tissue damage risk worsen due to excessive energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy transfer system adjustable and adaptive. The external energy transmitter can dynamically adjust the amount of energy transferred based on feedback from the internal energy receiver, allowing the system to optimize transfer efficiency while preventing excessive energy accumulation and temperature increase. This is achieved through controllable energy transfer mechanisms that can respond to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the internal energy receiver monitors the energy received and sends feedback signals to the external energy transmitter. This feedback mechanism allows the system to regulate energy transfer precisely, increasing efficiency when needed while preventing excessive energy transfer that would cause temperature increase and tissue damage. The feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of transfer parameters.
2Power
If the amount of energy supplied is increased to compensate for low transfer efficiency, then the device operation is improved, but the temperature increase and tissue damage risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts energy transfer based on actual needs rather than using fixed high power levels. The external transmitter modulates energy output in response to feedback from the internal receiver, providing sufficient power for device operation only when and where needed, thereby avoiding excessive energy transfer and associated temperature increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the energy transfer system based on feedback information. By adjusting transfer parameters such as power level, frequency, or duration according to the actual energy balance and device needs, the system achieves adequate power supply for operation while preventing parameter combinations that would lead to harmful temperature increases.
3Reliability
If precise control of energy transfer is implemented, then the temperature control and device operation are improved, but the system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to achieve precise temperature and energy management. The internal energy receiver monitors energy reception and device operation status, then communicates this information back to the external transmitter, which adjusts energy output accordingly. This feedback-based approach provides reliable temperature control without requiring overly complex control systems, as the control decisions are based on actual measured conditions rather than complex predictive models.
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 ensures accurate and efficient energy transfer to implanted medical devices, preventing excessive temperature rises and maintaining proper device operation while minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
An external energy transmitter can transfer wireless energy to an implanted internal energy receiver located inside the patient
Implementation Method 2
The method involves varying the width of energy pulses with constant frequency and amplitude using Pulse Width Modulation Technique (PWMT) to control the power transferred
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting wireless energy from an external energy transmitting device (104) placed externally to a human body to an internal energy receiver (102) placed internally in the human body, is provided. The method comprises applying, to the external transmitting device, electrical pulses from a first electric circuit comprising a pulse generator and a pulse length and interval control unit to transmit the wireless energy, the electrical pulses having leading and trailing edges, and transmitting wireless energy by: supplying two or more pulse trains in a row, wherein supplying each pulse train comprises supplying a train of two or more of the electrical pulses in a row, the pulses having a constant frequency and amplitude, and varying the relationship between a first time interval in which a pulse train is transmitted and a second time interval between pulse trains in which no pulses are transmitted.