Inductive Charging Temperature Control for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive charging of medical devices like ambulatory infusion pumps can cause unwanted heating in electrically conductive materials, potentially degrading temperature-sensitive medicaments such as insulin due to misalignment of charging coils, which may go unnoticed by users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing temperature monitoring systems within the devices to detect and manage temperature thresholds during inductive charging, either by suspending or reducing the charging power to prevent overheating and alerting the user to take corrective action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging is implemented in ambulatory infusion pumps, then convenience and wireless power transfer are improved, but temperature control and medicament safety deteriorate due to unwanted heating from eddy currents
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring before and during the inductive charging process. Temperature sensors are positioned to detect heating trends early, and the control system proactively adjusts charging parameters or suspends charging before excessive temperatures damage the medicament, thus preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through temperature sensors that monitor internal temperatures during inductive charging. The control system receives real-time temperature data and dynamically adjusts the charging process by reducing power or suspending charging when temperature thresholds are approached, creating a closed-loop control system that balances wireless charging convenience with temperature safety.
2Reliability
If inductive charging is performed with misaligned coils, then charging functionality is maintained, but excessive heating and medicament degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature feedback during the charging process to detect misalignment conditions. When temperature rises indicate poor coil alignment, the control system responds by reducing or suspending charging power, thereby maintaining charging functionality when properly aligned while preventing medicament degradation during misalignment through active temperature-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes charging parameters (power level, charging rate) based on real-time temperature conditions. When misalignment is detected through temperature monitoring, the system adjusts the electromagnetic field parameters to reduce heating effects, allowing charging to continue at reduced power rather than completely suspending functionality.
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and control systems are added to infusion pumps, then medicament safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring and control system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The sensors continuously monitor temperatures, the control system automatically compares readings against predefined thresholds, and the system self-adjusts charging parameters or suspends charging when needed, providing medicament protection through self-service operation that minimizes the burden on users despite the added complexity.
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
Prevents damage to temperature-sensitive contents by ensuring that charging is suspended or reduced when temperature thresholds are exceeded, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of medicaments like insulin during the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
inductive charging device configured to transmit power to the ambulatory infusion pump to charge the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
During charging a plurality of temperature values within the ambulatory infusion pump are detected
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of temperature values within the ambulatory infusion pump are compared to a medicament sensitivity threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed wherein temperature in a device such as an ambulatory infusion pump is monitored during inductive charging of the device such that temperature-sensitive contents or components, such as, for example, insulin, particular circuitry and/or other components are not damaged. Temperature can be monitored in the device at one or more locations during inductive charging. If the temperature breaches one or more predetermined thresholds and/or is rising at a rate greater than one or more predetermined thresholds, charging can be suspended or provided at reduced power to prevent the temperature from further rising and damaging the contents and/or components of the device. One or more alerts associated with these events may also be triggered so that the user is aware of the situation and may take corrective action.