Implantable Magnetoelectric Backscatter for Adaptive Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power and data delivery systems for miniature bioelectronic implants face challenges in power efficiency, spatial distribution, and data transfer complexity, particularly for multi-mote systems with varying alignments and positions, limiting their effectiveness and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A passive, power-efficient backscattering communication system using magnetoelectric (ME) films that modulate resonance frequency for data transmission, combined with closed-loop power control and adaptive magnetoelectric power transfer, enabling simultaneous power and data transfer with robust multi-access communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If wireless power delivery is used to decrease device size and invasiveness, then device miniaturization and reduced invasiveness are improved, but power transfer efficiency and reliability deteriorate due to absorption by body tissues and impedance mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static impedance matching problem into a dynamic solution by continuously adjusting the resonant frequency of the implanted device to match the external transmitter's frequency. This frequency tuning capability allows the system to overcome tissue absorption and impedance mismatches, maintaining efficient power transfer despite the miniaturized form factor and varying implant depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the implanted device measures the received power and transmitted frequency, then communicates this information back to the external transmitter. The transmitter uses this feedback to adjust its operating parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power transfer efficiency in real-time despite changes in tissue properties or device positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation channels are provided in traditional implants, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-channel stimulation functionality across multiple independent miniature implants rather than consolidating everything in one large device. Each small implant contains simplified circuitry for fewer channels, but collectively they provide comprehensive multi-channel coverage. This segmentation allows therapeutic effectiveness to be maintained while reducing the complexity and invasiveness of any single implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The external transmitter is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously or sequentially control multiple different implanted devices. This multi-functional external unit provides the complex coordination and multiple stimulation channels needed, while each individual implant remains simple and minimally invasive, achieving versatility without increasing implant complexity.
3Measurement precision
If individual programming of each channel is required in multi-mote systems, then therapeutic precision is improved, but data transfer complexity increases due to varying alignments and positions
Solution Approach 1:
Each implanted device measures its own operating conditions including received power level and resonant frequency, then feeds this information back to the external transmitter. This self-diagnosis capability allows the system to automatically adapt to varying alignments and positions, enabling individual programming and precise control without requiring complex manual calibration or sophisticated communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted devices perform self-configuration and self-diagnosis, automatically determining their optimal operating parameters based on their position and alignment with the external transmitter. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external programming procedures, allowing therapeutic precision to be achieved through automatic adaptation rather than manual configuration.
4Power
If conventional wireless power methods are used for deep tissue implants, then power delivery capability is improved, but device size and invasiveness worsen due to large electromagnetic coils or battery packs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the implanted device and places it in an external transmitter. The implanted device contains only minimal components needed for power reception, frequency tuning, and basic control, while the bulky power generation equipment remains outside the body. This extraction allows deep tissue implants to receive adequate power without containing large batteries or power amplifiers within the implant itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic resonance coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the external transmitter and the implanted device. This resonant coupling acts as an efficient energy transfer bridge that can deliver power to deep tissue implants without requiring direct contact or large components at the implant site. The resonant coupling enables power delivery capability to be maintained while the implant size is dramatically reduced.
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
The system achieves efficient, flexible, and reliable wireless power and data transmission for miniaturized implants, enhancing device deployment, specificity, and spatial resolution, with improved flexibility and reduced infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
passive, power-efficient backscattering communication system that enables transmitting data wirelessly between implantable magnetoelectric (ME) devices and an external base station
Implementation Method 2
encode the transmitted data through modulating the resonance frequency of a ME film by digitally tuning its electric loading conditions
Implementation Method 3
Once the ME film is excited by an external pulsed magnetic field, one can record its backscattered magnetic, electric, or acoustic response by a magnetic field sensor, electrodes, or microphone, respectively
Implementation Method 4
adaptive magnetoelectric power transfer, enabling simultaneous power and data transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure include apparatus, systems and methods utilizing a passive, power-efficient backscattering communication system that enables transmitting data wirelessly between implantable magnetoelectric (ME) devices and an external base station. Certain embodiments encode the transmitted data through modulating the resonance frequency of a ME film by digitally tuning its electric loading conditions.