Modular External Charger with Detachable Accessory Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external charger systems for implantable medical devices are not sufficiently versatile or powerful for various charging scenarios, requiring additional equipment like external controllers for charging, which is inconvenient for patients.
Innovation Solution
An accessorized external charger system with an internal charging coil and detachable external accessory coils of varying sizes, allowing automatic detection and adjustment of charging parameters, enabling efficient charging without the need for complex external controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single external charger with internal charging coil is used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing costs decrease, but charging power and versatility are insufficient for various implant scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into a base external charger unit and detachable accessory coils of varying sizes. The accessory coils can be attached to the external charger as needed for different implant scenarios, allowing the system to maintain low base complexity while providing high versatility through modular additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The external charger is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of accessory coils and different implantable medical devices. The charger can detect and adapt to various coil types automatically, making a single charger unit suitable for multiple charging scenarios without requiring scenario-specific devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory coils of varying sizes are provided for different implant scenarios, then charging versatility improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the charger into a simple base unit and detachable accessory coils. This segmentation allows the complex part (multiple coil sizes) to be optional add-ons rather than integrated complexity, reducing the base device complexity while maintaining versatility through selective attachment of appropriate coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The external charger incorporates automatic detection capabilities that identify the attached accessory coil type and automatically adjust charging parameters accordingly. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex user intervention, reducing operational complexity despite having multiple coil options.
3Ease of operation
If automatic detection and adjustment of charging parameters is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charger system performs automatic detection and adjustment of charging parameters without user intervention. The system self-configures based on the detected implant and accessory coil combination, providing ease of operation by eliminating manual setup while managing complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detection circuits to automatically adjust charging parameters. The charger continuously monitors the attached accessory coil and implant characteristics, then adjusts power delivery accordingly, providing ease of operation through adaptive control while managing complexity through closed-loop feedback mechanisms.
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 improved coupling and convenience for patients with different implant scenarios, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing a single charger to accommodate multiple scenarios, ensuring efficient and comfortable charging.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating current (AC) coil (17) that supplies energy (29) in the form of a magnetic field to a similar charging coil (18) located in or on the IPG (100) via inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
The energy (29) received by the IPG's coil (18) can be rectified and used to recharge battery (26) in the IPG (100)
Data Source
AI summary
An external charger system is disclosed comprising an external charger with an internal charging coil, as well as an output port coupleable to one of a plurality of types of external accessory charging coils of varying shapes and sizes. If the internal charging coil of the external charger is sufficient for a given patient's charging needs, the accessory charging coils may be detached from the external charger, and the external charger may serve as a standalone self-contained external charger. The external charger can automatically detect which of the plurality of types of accessory charging coils is connected, and can adjust its operation accordingly. This versatile design allows the external charger system to be used by large numbers of patients, even if their particular implant charging scenarios are different.