MEM Device Remote Powering via Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for powering and communicating with miniature medical devices at the nano-to-mm scale within biological tissue face limitations, including limited battery storage, material safety constraints, and challenges with RF power transfer and communication due to scale similarities with wavelength, leading to inefficient energy harvesting and communication.
Innovation Solution
The development of microelectromechanical (MEM) devices and systems comprising actuators, responsive elements, sensors, and electronic circuits that can be remotely controlled using magnetic, electric, acoustic, or electromagnetic signals for power transfer and communication, enabling precise control and delivery of particles for medical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If internal batteries are used to power miniature devices, then power storage is provided, but storage capacity is greatly limited at sub-mm scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the miniature device system and replaces it with external wireless power transfer mechanisms. The device structure is extracted of the power storage element, and power is supplied through electromagnetic induction or acoustic vibration from external sources, thereby eliminating the volume constraint that limits battery capacity at sub-mm scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power transfer mechanism between the external power source and the miniature device. Electromagnetic fields or acoustic waves serve as mediators that carry energy through tissue to the device, which contains a receiver coil or piezoelectric element that converts these intermediary forms of energy into electrical power for the device circuitry.
2Power
If RF-based wireless power transfer is used, then remote powering is achieved, but RF radiation has limited penetration in human tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the power transfer mechanism by shifting from RF electromagnetic radiation to lower-frequency electromagnetic induction or acoustic vibration. These parameter changes allow the energy to penetrate tissue more effectively while maintaining wireless power transfer capability, as the lower frequencies experience less attenuation in biological tissue.
3Loss of information
If RF communication is used for downlink and uplink, then remote communication is enabled, but communication implementation is challenging at sub-mm scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless power transfer mechanism multi-functional by using the same electromagnetic induction or acoustic vibration channel for both power transfer and communication. The receiver coil or piezoelectric element that captures power also detects modulated signals for communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Length of moving object
If GHz-THz wavelength range is used for RF antenna construction, then antenna size is reduced to match sub-mm scale, but RF radiation penetration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from GHz-THz to lower frequencies for electromagnetic induction or acoustic vibration. This parameter change allows the use of longer wavelengths that can penetrate tissue effectively while the device remains miniaturized, as the resonant structures and coils can be scaled to sub-mm dimensions independent of the wavelength used for power transfer.
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 allows for efficient remote powering and communication with miniature devices, overcoming previous limitations by providing reliable and precise control over device operations within biological tissues, enhancing their functionality and effectiveness in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and/or receiving a signal to/from said device, wherein said signal comprises one or more of: a magnetic signal, an electric signal or a combination thereof; an acoustic or ultrasound signal; an electromagnetic radiation signal; or an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
designed to move in an external rotating electromagnetic field using electromagnetic waves or ultrasound
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical manipulator, a molecular sensor, or a remote communication transmitter/receiver connected to the IC inputs and outputs
Data Source
AI summary
A platform and methods of use, for providing active, pre-determined, fully controlled, precise delivery of nano- or micro-particles in biological tissue. The platform comprises the following modules: (A) one or more nano- or micro-particles comprising embedded logic and various MEM components; (B) a delivery and retraction module, configured to deliver and retract the particles; (C) an external signal generator; (D) an imaging module, configured to monitor said particles; and (E) an integration module configured to receive inputs from other modules and provide output control commands to other modules. The modules are configured to interact/communicate with each other and are internally controlled, externally controlled or both.