Implantable Transformer Core for Medical Device Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) links for implantable medical devices face challenges in fixation and positioning, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potential life-threatening issues due to poor coupling coefficients and skin heating, especially in life-sustaining applications like heart pumps and total artificial hearts.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a transformer core implanted under the skin and an external unit that uses a connector system with a first and second connector part to form a second winding around the transformer core, reducing human error and enhancing energy transfer efficiency by forming a secure and reliable connection through a pierced hole in the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional TET link with transmitter winding on external side and receiver winding on implantable side is used, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but the coupling coefficient is low and energy transfer efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the transmitter winding from the external side to the implantable side, placing both windings on the same side of the skin. This dimensional repositioning changes the spatial relationship from opposite sides to adjacent positions, significantly improving magnetic coupling and energy transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver windings on the same side of the skin within the implantable unit, allowing them to be positioned in parallel planes with minimal separation. This merging of functions in close proximity maximizes magnetic coupling between the windings.
2Reliability
If the transmitter winding is attached to the skin using gluing solutions or special vests, then fixation is achieved, but positioning is difficult and fixation reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the transmitter winding from the external skin surface to the implantable side beneath the skin. This dimensional move eliminates the need for external fixation mechanisms entirely, as the winding becomes part of the implanted device that is secured through surgical implantation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a relatively large battery compartment or multiple batteries are included in the external unit to compensate for low efficiency, then usage duration is extended, but device weight increases and skin heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful low efficiency into a benefit by repositioning the windings to achieve high efficiency. This eliminates the need for large battery compartments, reducing weight while extending usage duration since less energy is wasted during transfer.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitter and receiver windings are located on opposite sides of the skin, then wireless transcutaneous power transfer is achieved, but any change in winding separation results in rapid drop in coupling coefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates both windings to the implantable side, eliminating the skin barrier between them. This dimensional change makes the system insensitive to skin thickness variations, as both windings are positioned in parallel planes with fixed separation within the implantable device.
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 improves the efficiency and reliability of energy transfer to implantable units, reducing the risk of faulty connections and skin heating, while allowing for easier and safer surgical procedures by automating the formation of the second winding around the transformer core.
Implementation Method 1
the two windings are substantially in parallel planes on both sides (external and implantable positions) of the skin. These systems are typically referred as TET links (TET-Transcutaneous Energy Transfer)
Implementation Method 2
the coupling coefficient is low because most of the magnetic field lines that the transmitter winding generates are not picked up by the receiver winding
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes: an implantable unit configured to be at least partly implanted in the body of a user; a transformer core configured to be arranged at least partly under the skin of the user; and an internal cabling configured to connect the implantable unit to the transformer core. The internal cabling includes a first winding around the transformer core; and an external unit configured to be at least partly arranged outside the body of the user, the external unit including: a power supply circuity and a connector coupled to the power supply circuity configured to supply power from the power supply circuity to the implantable unit via the transformer core. The connector includes a first connector part and a second connector part.