Implantable Battery Charging Control for Thermal Dose Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant battery charging can lead to overheating, potentially damaging surrounding tissue and failing medical safety standards due to excessive temperature during the charging process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor and a controller in the implantable battery and communication module to monitor temperature and adjust the charging current, ensuring that the charging process does not exceed safe thermal limits by comparing charging parameters to thresholds and reducing the current if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charging current is increased to charge the implantable battery faster, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature increases causing tissue damage and failing safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging current adjustment based on real-time temperature monitoring. The controller continuously adapts the charging current magnitude according to the measured temperature, allowing high current when cool and reducing current when temperature rises, thus achieving both fast charging and temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a temperature sensor that provides continuous feedback to the controller about the implantable battery temperature. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust charging parameters in real-time, preventing temperature from exceeding safe thresholds while maintaining efficient charging
2Loss of time
If the charging current is increased to reduce charging time, then the loss of time is reduced, but the thermal dose to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring during the charging process, with the controller checking temperature at regular intervals and adjusting charging current accordingly. This periodic control allows efficient charging while preventing cumulative thermal dose from exceeding safety limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes charging parameters (current magnitude, charging rate) based on temperature conditions. When temperature approaches thresholds, the controller modifies charging parameters to reduce thermal accumulation, thereby controlling thermal dose while minimizing charging time
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and dynamic current adjustment are implemented, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable battery system performs self-monitoring of its own temperature and self-regulation of charging current through the integrated controller. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external monitoring equipment, improving safety while minimizing additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor and control logic are integrated into the implantable battery system itself, merging multiple functions (power storage, temperature monitoring, current regulation) into a single compact device. This integration improves safety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 solution effectively prevents overheating by dynamically adjusting the charging parameters, ensuring the thermal dose remains within safe limits, thus protecting the patient's tissue and adhering to medical safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable energy storage device configured to store energy and provide the energy to one or more implanted system components
Implementation Method 2
an external charger configured to charge the rechargeable energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems including a rechargeable energy storage device can include a temperature sensor and a controller configured to receive temperature information representative of a temperature proximate the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller can be configured to receive or determine a second charging parameter associated with the charging of the rechargeable energy storage device, such as charging duration, and compare the temperature or the second parameter to a corresponding threshold. If the parameter associated with the charging the rechargeable energy storage device (e.g., charging duration and/or the temperature information) exceeds the corresponding threshold, the controller can reduce the amount of electrical current provided to the rechargeable energy storage device during charging. This can enable charging the rechargeable energy storage device at a maximum rate without exceeding thermal dose safety standards associated with charging the rechargeable energy storage device.