Implantable Optical Microdevice Load Regulation for Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact implantable micro devices, such as 'brain dust,' face challenges in efficiently managing power due to limited battery capacity and safety concerns with wireless power transfer, especially when featuring light sources for optogenetics or photodynamic therapy, as fixed impedance matching circuits result in poor power transfer efficiency with varying loads.
Innovation Solution
A micro device with a power management unit that receives wireless ultrasonic signals and regulates electric current to maintain a constant total electric load, eliminating the need for bulky adjustable impedance matching circuits, using a single fixed impedance matching circuit for optimal power efficiency and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed impedance matching circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power transfer efficiency deteriorates when loads vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the impedance matching circuit adjustable rather than fixed. The circuit can dynamically change its impedance characteristics to match varying load conditions, thereby maintaining high power transfer efficiency across different operational states while avoiding the complexity of fully reconfigurable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameters of the matching circuit to adapt to varying loads. By adjusting circuit parameters such as capacitance or inductance values, the system optimizes power transfer efficiency for different load conditions without requiring complete circuit reconfiguration.
2Loss of energy
If a reconfigurable matching circuit is used to adapt to varying loads, then the power transfer efficiency is improved, but the device size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable impedance matching circuit that can adapt to varying load conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high power transfer efficiency across different operational states while using a compact design that avoids the bulk of fully reconfigurable circuits with multiple large capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal impedance matching circuit that can handle multiple load conditions through a single adjustable configuration. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate matching circuits for different load types, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If wireless power transfer is used to power the micro device, then the battery capacity requirements are reduced, but the power transfer capacity is limited by safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms to optimize wireless power transfer. The system monitors power reception and load conditions, then adjusts the impedance matching circuit accordingly to maximize power transfer efficiency within safety limits, thereby achieving adequate power capacity without requiring large batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes impedance parameters in real-time to optimize wireless power transfer efficiency. By adjusting circuit parameters based on received power levels and load demands, the system maximizes power extraction from wireless sources while operating within safety constraints.
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 achieves high power transfer efficiency with minimal component size, ensuring continuous operation and energy longevity by adapting to varying power consumption, suitable for implantable devices with multiple functionalities like optogenetics and neural activity sensing.
Implementation Method 1
a power management unit arranged to receive a wireless signal, such as an ultrasonic signal, from an external source and to generate an electric power output accordingly
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrical power consuming components powered by the electric power output, the power consuming components comprising at least one controllable light source, such as a micro LED, arranged to generate light in a controllable time-varying manner
Data Source
AI summary
A micro device, such as a brain dust, is arranged for implantation into biological tissue. A power management unit receives a wireless signal, e.g. an ultrasonic signal, from an external source and generates an electric power output accordingly. The micro device has a plurality of electrical power consuming components powered by the electric power output, especially comprising one or more controllable light sources, e.g. micro LEDs which can be controlled to generate light in a time-varying manner, such as for optogenetics or for optical release of a drug. To increase power efficiency, an electric regulator circuit regulates electric current applied to the controllable light source to provide a predetermined total electric load of the power management unit. This provides an optimal efficiency of transferring power to the plurality of electrical power consuming components with a minimal requirement of volume of the circuit which provides impedance matching for optimal efficiency.