Implantable Device Depth Estimation for Charging Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging inefficiencies in implantable medical devices lead to longer charging times and reduced compliance, affecting both the device's power supply and communication efficiency with external devices, due to factors like alignment, position, and distance between charging devices and the implant.
Innovation Solution
The system estimates the depth of the implantable medical device within tissue using current measurements and adjusts charging parameters, such as the duty cycle and distance between coils, and tunes the matching network based on this depth to improve charging and communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charging device is placed close to the implantable medical device to improve power transfer, then charging efficiency improves, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the matching network tunable and adjustable based on operating conditions. The matching network components (capacitors, inductors) are made variable to dynamically adjust impedance matching parameters. This allows the system to adapt the matching network configuration according to the depth of implantation and operating frequency, thereby resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and communication efficiency at different operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the matching network (capacitance values, inductance values, resonant frequency) to optimize performance for different operating modes. By adjusting these parameters based on the detected operating condition (charging vs. communication, depth of implantation), the system achieves both efficient power transfer during charging and reliable communication during data transmission.
2Ease of operation
If the implantable medical device is placed deeper in tissue to improve patient comfort, then ease of operation improves, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to increased distance between coils
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the matching network parameters based on the depth of implantation. Depth detection mechanisms (such as measuring impedance or using feedback signals) provide information about implantation depth, and the matching network is retuned accordingly. This allows the system to maintain optimal charging efficiency regardless of whether the device is implanted shallowly or deeply in the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms to detect the operating conditions and implantation depth, then uses this information to adjust the matching network parameters. The external charging device or the implantable device itself measures parameters such as impedance, resonant frequency, or power transfer efficiency, and uses this feedback to optimize the matching network configuration for the current depth condition.
3Reliability
If the matching network is tuned during communication period to optimize communication, then communication efficiency improves, but charging time increases due to additional tuning time required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing matching network tuning during the charging period before communication occurs. The system uses the charging time to detect implantation depth and pre-adjust the matching network parameters to optimal values for subsequent communication. This eliminates the need for separate tuning during the communication period, thereby avoiding additional time loss while ensuring both charging and communication efficiency.
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 charging efficiency by optimizing power transfer and reduces communication inefficiencies by pre-tuning the matching network during the charging process, leading to faster charging and improved communication between the device and external systems.
Implementation Method 1
applying a signal to a primary coil of an external charging device. The signal causes the primary coil to inductively couple to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes applying a signal to a primary coil of an external charging device. The signal causes the primary coil to inductively couple to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device that is implanted within tissue of a patient. The method also includes measuring a current at the primary coil. The method further includes estimating a depth of the implantable medical device within the tissue of the patient based on the measured current.