Implantable Recharge Coil Temperature Feedback for Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment between external and implanted coils in a transcutaneous energy transfer system can lead to interrupted operation of implantable medical devices and undesirable heating, causing discomfort or harm to the patient.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed package within the implantable receiving coil includes a temperature sensor and scavenging circuitry to measure and transmit temperature data, allowing the implantable controller to adjust power transfer or alert the user when misalignment occurs, using RF modulated carrier signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transcutaneous energy transfer is used to power implantable devices, then infection risk is reduced and patient mobility is improved, but misalignment between external and implanted coils causes undesirable heating and interrupted operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment verification by measuring temperature before full power transfer begins. The temperature sensor detects early signs of misalignment-induced heating, allowing the system to adjust coil positioning or reduce power transfer intensity before harmful heating occurs, thus preventing interrupted operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the receiving coil temperature during power transfer. When temperature exceeds a threshold indicating misalignment, the system provides feedback to adjust the external coil position or modify power transfer parameters, maintaining reliable operation while preventing harmful heating
2Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature monitoring is implemented to detect misalignment, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil structure serves dual purposes: it acts as both the energy transfer component and the temperature sensing element. The existing coil structure itself exhibits temperature-dependent electrical properties that can be monitored to detect overheating, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the receiving coil multi-functional by using it both for energy transfer and temperature monitoring. The coil's electrical characteristics are exploited to sense temperature changes, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and thereby reducing the number of additional parts needed for safety monitoring
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
Prevents overheating and maintains efficient power transfer by adjusting charging based on alignment, ensuring patient safety and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The implantable receiving coil is configured for transcutaneous inductive communication with an external transmission coil
Implementation Method 2
The at least one temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of the hermetically sealed package
Implementation Method 3
The temperature measuring circuit being configured to transmit the measured temperature to the implantable controller
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS), having an implantable receiving coil in communication with an implantable controller and a hermetically sealed package encased by the implantable receiving coil. The hermetically sealed package including a plurality of tuning capacitors, at least one temperature sensor, scavenging circuitry configured to scavenge power from the plurality of tuning capacitors, and a temperature measuring circuit in communication with the at least one temperature sensor and the scavenging circuitry. The at least one temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of the hermetically sealed package and the temperature measuring circuit being configured to transmit the measured temperature to the implantable controller.