Implantable Device Communication System With Segmented Coupling Coils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional implantable device communication systems face challenges in achieving effective bidirectional signal transmission due to a low coupling coefficient, leading to weak signal strength and interference, particularly in reverse data transmission, where the reverse signal is often submerged by noise.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of two external coupling coils, where one coil is dedicated to forward signal transmission and the other to reverse signal reception, with the third coil positioned between them to cancel out magnetic induction currents and prevent interference, ensuring stable bidirectional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If two coils are used for bidirectional communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reverse signal transmission quality deteriorates due to low coupling coefficient and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of coilsVSAvoidreverse signal transmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The external unit is divided into two separate coils: a first coupling coil for forward signal transmission and a second coupling coil for reverse signal reception. This segmentation allows each coil to be optimized for its specific function, preventing interference between transmit and receive operations and improving reverse signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each coil is positioned and shaped to optimize its specific function: the first coupling coil is configured for efficient forward signal transmission to the implantable unit, while the second coupling coil is positioned to maximize reception of reverse signals from the implantable unit, with its center aligned with the implantable coil for optimal coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If transmit power of L1 is increased to compensate for low coupling coefficient, then the energy transmission to L2 is improved, but the voltage amplitude on L2 becomes very large causing signal distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal amplitude control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the coupling parameter by using two separate coils with optimized geometries and positions rather than a single coil pair. This allows the coupling coefficient to be optimized for each direction independently, enabling efficient energy transfer without excessive voltage amplitudes that would cause signal distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a third coupling coil L3 is added for reverse signal reception, then the reverse signal reception capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse signal reception capabilityVSAvoidnumber of external coils
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external unit is segmented into two functional coils: the first coupling coil dedicated to forward signal transmission and the second coupling coil dedicated to reverse signal reception. This clear functional segmentation improves reverse signal reception by eliminating interference from the transmit coil while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enhances the coupling coefficient and prevents interference, enabling effective transmission of both forward and reverse signals, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems where reverse signals were often undetectable due to noise.

Implementation Method 1

the power transmission unit comprises a first coupling coil L1, the first coupling coil L1 is configured to transmit a signal to the internal unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the signal receiver unit comprises a second coupling coil L2, the second coupling coil L2 is configured to receive the signal from the external unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the receiver and modulation unit comprises a third coupling coil L3, the third coupling coil L3 is configured to receive the signal transmitted from the implantable unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3584950B1Communication system for implant device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 HANGZHOU NANOCHAP ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3584950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3584950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3584950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of medical appliances, more particularly to a communication system of an implantable device, comprising an external unit and an implantable unit, wherein the external unit and the implantable unit realize charging and bidirectional signal transmission of the external unit to the implantable unit by a wireless signal, two coupling coils are disposed outside the body, one for transmitting the forward signal, and one for receiving the reverse signal, and one coupling coil is disposed in the body for receiving and feeding back the signal, wherein the setting of the shape and position of the two coupling coils outside the body avoids the reverse signal fed back from inside of the body to be disturbed, thereby achieving effective transmission of the bidirectional signal, and overcoming the problem that the signal has weak signal strength and tends to be interfered when the traditional implantable device transmits the signal in a reverse direction.