Implantable Charger Comb Filtering for Noise-Aware Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in efficiently and safely receiving wireless energy transfer due to noise interference from external charging devices, which can reduce charging efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a comb filter in the external charging device to remove noise from the output signal based on the charging frequency, allowing the device to detect the circuit state of the implantable medical device and adjust the charging frequency accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless energy transfer is performed at high power to charge the implantable medical device quickly, then charging speed is improved, but noise interference increases and charging safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A comb filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the coil and the monitoring circuitry. The filter processes the output signal from the coil, removing noise at specific frequencies while allowing the charging signal to pass through. This enables the system to operate at high power levels while maintaining signal integrity and safety monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or passive filtering approaches with an electronic comb filter that operates at the frequency domain. The comb filter uses electronic circuitry to selectively attenuate noise frequencies and pass the charging frequency, enabling sophisticated noise rejection without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
2Loss of energy
If the charging frequency is increased to improve charging efficiency, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but noise from the charging device increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The comb filter serves as a frequency-selective intermediary that allows the system to operate at higher charging frequencies while maintaining measurement precision. The filter is designed to pass the charging frequency band while attenuating noise, enabling accurate monitoring even at elevated operating frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging frequency based on detected circuit states of the implantable medical device. By varying the frequency parameter in response to real-time conditions, the system optimizes energy transfer efficiency while the comb filter maintains signal quality across different frequency settings.
3Reliability
If noise filtering is applied to remove interference from the output signal, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comb filter is implemented as a dedicated intermediary module that handles noise filtering functions. By isolating the filtering functionality in a separate component, the main charging circuitry remains relatively simple while the filter handles the complexity of noise rejection through its frequency-selective characteristics.
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 enhances the efficiency and safety of wireless charging by reducing noise interference, improving signal-to-noise ratio, and ensuring consistent therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
signal generating circuitry coupled to the coil to drive current through the coil at a charging frequency to induce current in a second coil in the implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for wirelessly charging an implantable medical device. An external charging device includes a coil, signal generating circuitry to drive current through the coil at a charging frequency to induce current in a second coil in the implantable medical device, monitoring circuitry to generate an output signal to monitor charging operations, and a comb filter. The comb filter is configured to apply filtering to the output signal to remove noise from the output signal, wherein the filtering is applied based on the charging frequency. The external charging device is configured to process the filtered output signal to detect a circuit state of charging circuitry of the implantable medical device during charging operations, and the external charging device is configured to vary the charging frequency based, in part, on detection of the circuit state of the charging circuitry of the implantable medical device.