Ingestible Chemical Energy Cell With Controlled Anode Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable and ingestible biomedical devices face challenges due to their limited size, which restricts their energy density and duration of operation, making them unsuitable for long-term monitoring or treatment of chronic diseases.
Innovation Solution
The development of chemical energy harvesting (CEH) cells that provide prolonged power generation lifetimes up to several months, with tunable anode dissolution rates for adjustable performance and lifetime, enabling consistent power output over time while being compact enough for ingestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If rigid batteries are used in implantable and ingestible biomedical devices, then the devices can be powered, but the device volume increases and operation duration is limited to about 10 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source from conventional rigid batteries to chemical energy harvesting cells that utilize galvanic oxidation dissolution of metal anodes (such as zinc, magnesium, or aluminum) in physiological fluids. This parameter change enables extended operation durations of several months while maintaining a compact size suitable for ingestion, as the anode material dissolves gradually to provide sustained power without requiring large battery capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrochemical battery system with a chemical energy harvesting system based on galvanic cell reactions. The anode undergoes controlled dissolution through electrochemical reactions with the electrolyte (physiological fluid), converting chemical energy directly to electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for recharging or replacement and provides continuous power for months while keeping the device small
2Reliability
If conventional batteries are used, then the devices can operate, but they require frequent replacements and are not suitable for chronic disease management
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical energy harvesting cell is designed to be self-contained and self-powered for extended periods. The anode material (e.g., zinc, magnesium, or aluminum) undergoes gradual galvanic dissolution in physiological fluids, automatically providing sustained electrical energy without external intervention. This self-service mechanism enables single-use operation for several months, making the device reliable for chronic disease management without requiring frequent replacements or recharging
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with sufficient anode material capacity from the outset to provide power for the entire intended duration of several months. The anode is pre-configured with controlled dissolution characteristics that ensure sustained power generation throughout the device's operational lifetime, eliminating the need for future replacements
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
CEH cells enable biomedical devices to operate for extended periods, from about 8 days to 60 days, providing reliable power for chronic disease management without the need for frequent replacements or recharging.
Implementation Method 1
The anode and the cathode are configured to provide DC power to the device when the exposed surface undergoes galvanic oxidation dissolution in at least one liquid or hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to be administered via an oral route by a subject. The device includes an anode, a seal disposed on the anode, and a cathode. When exposed to a liquid or a hydrogel, an exposed surface of the anode undergoes galvanic oxidation dissolution to provide DC power to the device. As the exposed surface of the anode undergoes galvanic oxidation dissolution, the seal incrementally detaches from the anode, and a substantially constant surface area of the exposed surface is maintained.