Isolation Transformer for Implantable Coil Power and Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face challenges in using a single coil for both closely coupled magnetic induction (MI) links for power and data transmission and weakly coupled MI radio links, due to voltage and resonance mismatches, which can lead to reliability issues and increased complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A single implantable coil is used in conjunction with an isolation transformer, which has separate windings for power and data processing units, allowing for both closely coupled and weakly coupled MI links to operate independently, with distinct frequencies to prevent interference and over-voltage damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coil is used for both closely coupled MI links and weakly coupled MI radio links, then the number of feed-throughs and device size are reduced, but voltage and resonance mismatches occur leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single coil system into multiple independent MI links operating at different coupling levels. By using separate windings on the coil assembly, the system divides functionality between closely coupled links (for high-power applications) and weakly coupled radio links (for low-power applications), allowing each segment to operate independently without interference, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the benefit of a single coil structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different operational zones within the single coil system. Different windings are optimized for different coupling characteristics - some windings are configured for close coupling with high power transfer, while others are configured for weak coupling with lower power. This allows each local region of the coil assembly to have the specific properties needed for its intended function, resolving the mismatch problem
2Volume of moving object
If a single coil is used for both closely coupled MI links and weakly coupled MI radio links, then device size is minimized, but voltage and resonance mismatches lead to over-voltage damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coil assembly into multiple independent windings that can be selectively activated. Each winding is designed with specific electrical characteristics suitable for its intended coupling mode. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the appropriate winding for each operational mode, preventing over-voltage damage to components not designed for high-power operation, while maintaining a compact single-coil structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that manages power distribution between different windings based on operational requirements. This intermediary layer prevents direct connection of all windings to high-power sources simultaneously, thereby protecting sensitive components from over-voltage damage while maintaining the space-efficient single-coil design
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 solution enables reliable bidirectional data transfer and power delivery using the same coil, reducing the need for additional feed-throughs and minimizing size and complexity, while maintaining efficient power transfer and data communication.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable coil is connected to an isolation transformer having a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding. The first winding is coupled to the implantable coil, the second winding is inductively coupled with the first winding, and the third winding is inductively coupled with the first winding.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A communication system for an active implantable medical device. The communication system includes an isolation transformer a coil coupled to the isolation transformer, and first and second communication components each coupled to the isolation transformer such that the first and second communication components are electrically isolated from the coil, and such that the isolation transformer enables the first and second communication components to communicate, via magnetic induction (MI) using the coil, with at least one external component.