LVAD Alert Coil Charging for Long-Range Transcutaneous Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for powering medical implants, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), face challenges in efficiently and reliably charging devices at distances exceeding 5 centimeters or 1 meter, with existing transcutaneous energy transfer systems often requiring close proximity and limited in power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a source coil configured to generate a strong electromagnetic field, coupled with a harvesting coil in a medical implant information reporting device, enabling remote and efficient charging of the device, with the ability to deliver over 15 milli-Watts of power to a 1 kilo-ohm load, and integrated with wearable devices like watches or pendants, to support the operation of VADs and provide alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transcutaneous energy transfer systems are used to power medical implants, then power delivery is achieved, but charging distance is limited to close proximity (under 5 centimeters)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electromagnetic field frequency and coil configuration parameters. The system operates at specific resonant frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz) and adjusts coil geometry parameters to extend the effective charging distance from conventional close-proximity ranges to over 5 centimeters while maintaining adequate power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary resonant coupling mechanism between the external source coil and the implanted harvesting coil. This resonant intermediary field acts as a mediator that enables energy transfer across greater distances by establishing a sustained electromagnetic resonance that bridges the gap between transmitter and receiver coils.
2Power
If transcutaneous energy transfer systems are used to power medical implants, then power delivery is achieved, but charging distance is limited to under 1 meter
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs parameter changes including operating frequency optimization and coil configuration adjustments to extend power delivery range. By tuning the resonant frequency and optimizing the Q-factor of the coils, the system achieves effective power transfer at distances exceeding 1 meter, overcoming the conventional limitation of short-range inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action through resonant oscillation at specific frequencies. The external source coil generates periodic electromagnetic fields at resonant frequencies that are matched by the implanted harvesting coil, creating a sustained energy transfer mechanism that maintains power delivery over extended distances through constructive interference and resonance buildup.
3Length of stationary object
If existing transcutaneous energy transfer systems are used, then power delivery is achieved, but power delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electromagnetic field frequency and coil configuration parameters. The system operates at specific resonant frequencies (e.g., 6.78 MHz) and adjusts coil geometry parameters to extend the effective charging distance from conventional close-proximity ranges to over 5 centimeters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action through resonant oscillation at specific frequencies. The external source coil generates periodic electromagnetic fields at resonant frequencies that are matched by the implanted harvesting coil, creating a sustained energy transfer mechanism that maintains power delivery over extended distances.
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 reliable and efficient charging of medical implant information reporting devices at distances up to 1 meter, ensuring continuous operation of VADs and providing alerts for battery status, thereby enhancing patient monitoring and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Energy is supplied to the induction coil of the implantable unit by a source coil incorporated in an external unit worn by the patient
Implementation Method 2
a harvesting coil integrated with the reporting device... configured to couple energy from the source coil to charge a battery of the reporting device
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical implant information reporting device and method of charging the same, the reporting device having an integrated harvesting coil configured to couple energy from an electromagnetic field of a source coil to induce current in the harvesting coil, are provided. According to one aspect, a method includes electrically coupling the harvesting coil to the source coil to charge the medical implant information reporting device, the source coil being sized to be removably disposed one of on and around the torso of a patient and configured to inductively power a medical implant about which the medical implant information reporting device reports.