Implantable Device Recharge Feedback System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with implantable medical devices face frustration due to the uncertainty and lack of feedback during the recharging process, as they cannot accurately determine how long it takes to fully charge their devices, leading to immobility and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A recharge management system that determines the charge level of a rechargeable battery by measuring current and initial voltage, applying a model to estimate the charge duration, and providing real-time feedback to the user without requiring patient intervention, optionally suspending charging to obtain accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rechargeable battery is charged for several hours to ensure full charge, then the battery charge level is improved, but the patient mobility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the patient during recharging by displaying the estimated time to full charge. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their recharging sessions and plan accordingly, reducing the frustration of unknown charging duration while maintaining reliable battery charging.
2Productivity
If the external charger is held against the implantable medical device during recharging, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the patient freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and displays the estimated time to full charge before the patient completes the recharging session. This preliminary information allows patients to plan their recharging activities in advance, knowing exactly how long they need to remain with the charger, thereby optimizing charging efficiency while minimizing impact on their schedule and mobility.
3Measurement precision
If the recharging process requires patient monitoring and positioning, then the charging accuracy is improved, but the patient convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors the recharging process and calculates the estimated time to full charge without requiring patient intervention. The device self-manages the charging monitoring, eliminating the need for patients to actively track or position themselves, thereby maintaining accurate charge level measurement while significantly improving patient convenience.
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 patients to plan recharging sessions effectively by providing accurate estimates of charge duration, reducing inconvenience and improving the efficiency of recharging processes for implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
An external power source may then be used to recharge the rechargeable battery, commonly transcutaneously via an inductive link between an external coil and an internal coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for determining, during a recharge session, an amount of time until a subsequent recharge session is required to charge a rechargeable power source of an implantable medical device. A model allows a determination of the time until recharge without suspending charging during the recharge session by basing the determination on an initial measured battery voltage and a present current into the rechargeable power source. Alternatively, charging is suspended during the recharge session, and voltage measurements are taken, after which time charging is resumed, without patient input or suspending the recharge session.