Inductive Power System for Removable Medical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive charging systems are limited in their ability to power electrical devices not positioned on or within a base station, particularly in medical applications where implanted devices with metallic components are involved, and require physical connections that alter the surface aesthetics, necessitating holes for wiring that become unsightly when the device is removed.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an induction assembly with a switch controlled by a triggering device, such as a magnet, that enables inductive coupling for powering electrical devices like LEDs, allowing remote attachment and detachment without altering the surface, using magnetic fields to transition the switch between operational states and attach the load assembly to a structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical connections (wires) are used to deliver electrical power to the device, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but the surface aesthetics are degraded due to visible wiring and required holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidsurface aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (wires and physical connectors) with an electromagnetic field-based inductive power transfer system. The induction circuit generates a magnetic field that couples with the receiver circuit in the load assembly, eliminating the need for visible wiring and physical connections while maintaining reliable power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the induction circuit in the base station and the receiver circuit in the load assembly. This intermediary allows power transmission through the wall structure without physical penetration or visible connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device is made removable and detachable from the wall, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but holes are left in the surface requiring patching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and removal easeVSAvoidsurface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment systems requiring wall penetration (screws, wires through holes) with magnetic attachment. The induction assembly and load assembly contain magnetic components that provide detachable attachment to the wall surface without creating permanent holes or requiring patching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If inductive charging is used for implanted medical devices, then wireless power delivery is achieved, but the system becomes limited by metallic component constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power deliveryVSAvoidapplication scope

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power transfer system into two separate components: an induction circuit in the base station that generates the magnetic field, and a receiver circuit in the load assembly that captures the field energy. This segmentation allows flexible application in both medical implant scenarios and non-medical wireless power applications without metallic component limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient, aesthetically pleasing inductive power delivery to electrical devices without surface alteration, facilitating removable attachment and detachment while maintaining surface integrity, suitable for various applications including medical implants.

Implementation Method 1

an induction circuit that is operable to inductively couple with a corresponding receiver circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The triggering device, when brought into or out of proximity of the switch, may cause the switch to transition between the first and second states. In some embodiments, the triggering device may be a magnet, and the switch may be a device that is sensitive to the presence or absence of magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the attaching devices of the induction and load assemblies may interact so as to removably attach the load assembly to the second side of the structure. In some embodiments, the attaching devices of the induction and load assemblies may be magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8847436B2System for inductively powering an electrical device and associated methods

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORP

AI summary

An inductive coupling system for delivering power from an induction assembly attached to a first side of a structure to a load assembly positioned on a second side of a structure. The induction assembly may couple with the load assembly so as to removably attach the load assembly to the second side of the structure. Furthermore, a triggering device in the load assembly may initiate the inductive coupling between the induction and load assemblies.