Movable Charging Coil Alignment for Implant Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices require frequent and inefficient charging sessions, with existing external charging devices often requiring significant user effort and time to maintain optimal alignment for efficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with a movable coil within a housing, adjusted by a coil manipulator based on sensor readings to optimize energy transfer efficiency, allowing for real-time adjustments to improve charging efficiency and reduce user burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coil is fixed in position within the housing, then the device structure is simple, but the charging efficiency cannot be optimized in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is made movable within the housing through a coil manipulator mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the coil's position and orientation. This enables the charging device to adapt to different implant positions and optimize energy transfer efficiency in real-time, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and charging efficiency.
2Productivity
If manual alignment is required for optimal charging, then the charging efficiency can be maximized, but the user effort and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device incorporates sensors that automatically detect the position of the implantable device and the coil manipulator automatically adjusts the coil alignment to optimize charging efficiency. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention, allowing the system to maximize charging efficiency while minimizing user effort and time.
3Productivity
If the coil position is adjusted dynamically, then the charging efficiency improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is segmented from the housing structure, allowing the coil to be independently positioned and adjusted within the housing. The coil manipulator is designed as a separate mechanism that can be integrated into the housing, enabling dynamic coil positioning while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
4Productivity
If the coil is movable within the housing, then real-time optimization of energy transfer is possible, but the reliability of the charging connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the charging efficiency and coil position. This feedback information is used by the coil manipulator to make real-time adjustments to optimize energy transfer while maintaining stable and reliable charging connection throughout the charging process.
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
Enhances charging efficiency by dynamically adjusting the coil position within the charging device, reducing the time required for charging sessions and improving user experience by minimizing the need for manual alignment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coil contained in a housing, wherein the at least one coil wirelessly transfers energy to an implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device is described. One example of a charging device described herein includes at least one coil contained in a housing, where the at least one coil wirelessly transfers energy to an implantable medical device. The charging device may further include a coil manipulator that adjusts a configuration of the at least one coil within the housing.