Multi-cell Power Source for Implantable Medical Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) face challenges in generating sufficient energy levels to deliver appropriate therapy due to the placement of leads and electrodes outside the heart, requiring innovative circuitry and techniques to provide effective electrical stimulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-cell power source with operational circuitry, including a low power and high power circuit segment, an isolation circuit, and a monitoring circuit that evaluates cell parameters to detect fault conditions and optimize energy delivery, allowing for safe parallel orientation and impedance management to ensure efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a multi-cell power source is used to generate higher voltage/current output, then the energy delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional circuitry for parallel orientation and isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into multiple cells that can be independently monitored and controlled. Each cell can be selectively connected to either the low power or high power circuit segment, allowing the system to segment the power delivery function across multiple independent units rather than using a single complex power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source cells serve multiple functions by being configurable to connect to different circuit segments. The same cells can support both low power operational circuitry and high power therapy delivery, eliminating the need for separate power sources for different functions and reducing overall device complexity.
2Power
If cells are connected in parallel to increase current output, then the power delivery is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential fault conditions in individual cells
Solution Approach 1:
A monitoring circuit continuously monitors the voltage and current parameters of each cell in the parallel configuration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect abnormal conditions in individual cells and respond appropriately, maintaining system reliability while benefiting from the increased current output of the parallel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring circuit detects fault conditions before they can cause system failure. By continuously measuring cell parameters and comparing them against expected ranges, the system can identify deteriorating cells early and take preventive actions to maintain safe and reliable operation.
3Reliability
If an isolation circuit is used to safely couple cells in parallel, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional impedance management circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation circuit acts as an intermediary between the parallel-connected cells and the operational circuitry. It provides controlled impedance coupling that safely isolates individual cells while allowing their combined output to drive the load, thus enabling reliable parallel operation without requiring complex protection circuitry for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation circuit dynamically adjusts its impedance characteristics based on the operating conditions. By changing its electrical parameters in response to system state, the isolation circuit maintains safe coupling between cells while adapting to different power delivery requirements, reducing the need for complex fixed-impedance protection networks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate low power and high power circuit segments are used, then the power delivery flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple circuit paths
Solution Approach 1:
The low power and high power circuit segments share common components including the power source cells, monitoring circuit, and control logic. By merging these segments rather than designing completely separate systems, the patent achieves power delivery flexibility while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled in a parallel configuration. The implantable medical device includes both a low power circuit and a high power circuit that are coupled between the first and second cells. An isolation circuit is coupled to the first cell and the second cell in a safe parallel orientation and the first and second cells are configured in a first configuration to deliver energy to the low power circuit segment and in a second configuration that is different from the first configuration to deliver energy to the high power circuit segment. A monitoring circuit is coupled to the power source and operable to evaluate the first cell and the second cell to detect a fault condition associated with at least one of the first and second cells.