Inductive Link Data Communication in Transcutaneous Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcutaneous energy transfer systems for implanted medical devices rely on external RF links for data communication, which are prone to dropout, leading to potential overvoltage and damage to electronics due to their reliance on electromagnetic energy transmission through the skin.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inductive link for data communication, where attributes such as amplitude, frequency, or phase of the power signal are modulated to encode and decode data between external and implanted components, allowing for reliable data transfer during power supply and idle modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external RF links are used for data communication, then data transfer capability is provided, but system reliability deteriorates due to RF link dropout causing overvoltage and potential damage to electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inductive communication channel as an intermediary between the primary and secondary circuits, allowing data communication without relying on the external RF link. This mediator enables the system to maintain reliable data transfer and regulation functions even when the RF link experiences dropout, thereby preventing overvoltage conditions and improving overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modulates parameters of the inductive power transfer signal (such as frequency or amplitude) to encode data for communication. By changing these parameters, the system achieves dual functionality of power transfer and data communication through the same inductive channel, eliminating the critical dependency on the external RF link for communication
2Reliability
If inductive link is used for data communication, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to modulation and demodulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inductive link serve multiple functions: both power transfer and data communication. By modulating the same power transfer signal for communication purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transfer function and data communication function into a single inductive channel. The modulation of power signal parameters enables data encoding, and the demodulation at the receiver extracts communication data from the power signal, combining two functions that were previously separated into distinct RF and power circuits
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 the safety and reliability of data communication in transcutaneous energy transfer systems by providing a stable and efficient means to transfer data without relying on external RF links, thereby preventing overvoltage issues and ensuring continuous operation of implanted medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
transferring electrical power from an external primary to an implanted secondary by driving the external primary with a first time-varying electrical signal such that a second time-varying electrical signal is induced in the implanted secondary
Implementation Method 2
encoding the first time-varying signal with a data signal by modulating an attribute of the first time-varying electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for use of an inductive link for a communication channel in a transcutaneous energy transfer system. An example system may include a resonant circuit associated with an external primary, a power transistor connected to the resonant circuit and configured to drive the resonant circuit with a first time-varying electrical signal having a frequency, and a power driver connected to the power transistor that is configured to set the frequency of the first time-varying electrical signal to a resonant frequency to enable power transfer from the external primary to an implanted secondary. The example system may further include a communication driver operatively connected to the power transistor and configured to encode the first time-varying electrical signal with a data signal by modulating an attribute of the time-varying electrical signal as electrical power is transferred from the external primary to the implanted secondary.