Microneedle Array Transcutaneous Power Transfer for Implantable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices face limitations in power delivery due to internal batteries and inefficiencies in wireless power transfer systems, particularly for high-powered devices like ventricular assist devices (VADs), and existing percutaneous drivelines are cumbersome and prone to displacement.

Innovation Solution

A transcutaneous power transfer system using a microneedle array and microwire holder to establish a small, efficient electrical connection through the skin, with conductive microneedles and microconductors that can be easily inserted and removed, and a control unit to manage power distribution and prevent overcurrent conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If percutaneous drivelines are used to transfer power through the skin, then power can be delivered to implanted devices, but the connection is cumbersome and prone to displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate microneedle and microwire holder components that can be independently inserted and connected, eliminating the need for a single large percutaneous driveline and reducing displacement risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microneedles are inserted into the microwire holder, creating a nested structure where the microneedles fit within the holder's receptacles, providing a secure and compact connection that minimizes skin penetration while maintaining electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a single large connection is used through the skin, then power transfer is simple, but the risk of infection and irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection riskVSAvoidpower transfer capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The single large connection is segmented into multiple microneedles, each creating a small puncture wound that heals faster and carries lower infection risk while collectively providing sufficient power transfer capacity through parallel electrical pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is transitioned from a single large aperture to multiple small apertures distributed across the skin surface, effectively using spatial distribution to reduce the harmful effects of each individual penetration while maintaining total power transfer capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If implanted batteries are used, then devices can operate independently, but the power delivery is limited and surgical replacement is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capacityVSAvoidreplacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is extracted from the implanted device and placed in an external power source, allowing the implanted device to be smaller and the battery to be externally replaceable or rechargeable without surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The microneedle-microwire holder connection serves as an intermediary interface that enables wireless or near-wireless power transfer between the external power source and implanted device, eliminating the need for internal batteries in high-powered applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system provides reliable, efficient power transfer with reduced risk of infection and irritation, allowing for long-term use or periodic replacement, and includes safety mechanisms to prevent overheating and improper connections.

Implementation Method 1

The microneedle array includes a plurality of electrically conductive microneedles... the plurality of electrically conductive microneedles extend through the skin of the subject and electrically couple to the plurality of electrical contacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11197990B2Systems and methods for transcutaneous power transfer using microneedles

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 TC1 LLC

AI summary

A system for supplying power transcutaneously to an implantable device implanted within a subject is provided. The system includes an external connector including one of a microneedle array and a microwire holder. The system further includes a power cable electrically coupled to the external connector and configured to supply power to the one of the microneedle array and the microwire holder, and an internal connector configured to be implanted within the subject and electrically coupled to the implantable device, the internal connector including the other of the microneedle array and the microwire holder. The microneedle array includes a plurality of electrically conductive microneedles, the microwire holder includes a plurality of electrical contacts, and the microwire holder is configured to engage the microneedle array such that the plurality of electrically conductive microneedles extend through the skin of the subject and electrically couple to the plurality of electrical contacts.