Multi-coil Wireless Power System for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable devices face challenges in efficient wireless charging due to size constraints and the need for optimal alignment with wireless chargers, which limits energy transfer and increases charging times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple receiving coils on the implantable device, oriented in different directions, to simultaneously receive and combine electromagnetic flux from a wireless charger, increasing the effective receiving area without enlarging the device's footprint, and utilizing rectifiers and current converters to produce a stable direct current for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single receiving coil is used in the implantable device, then the device structure remains simple, but the charging time increases and energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil is divided into multiple independent coil segments positioned at different locations and orientations within the implantable device. Each coil segment can independently receive electromagnetic flux from the external charger, allowing parallel power transfer that significantly reduces charging time while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple receiving coils are positioned in different spatial dimensions and orientations within the implantable device. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that at least some coils maintain effective coupling with the external charger regardless of the device's orientation or position during charging, thereby improving energy transfer efficiency without requiring complex active alignment mechanisms
2Area of stationary object
If the implantable device is made small to fit the body, then the device size is reduced, but the receiving area for wireless charging is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving coils are nested within the compact implantable device housing, with coils positioned at different depths and orientations. This nested arrangement maximizes the total receiving area for wireless charging within the constrained device volume, allowing the small implant to capture electromagnetic flux from multiple directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving coils are arranged in three-dimensional space within the implantable device rather than being confined to a single plane. This spatial distribution of coils in multiple dimensions increases the effective receiving area without proportionally increasing the device volume, enabling efficient wireless charging despite the small form factor required for implantation
3Productivity
If precise alignment between the implantable device and wireless charger is required, then the charging efficiency is maximized, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving coil system is segmented into multiple coils positioned at different orientations and locations. This segmentation ensures that when the implantable device is placed near the external charger, multiple coil segments can simultaneously or alternatively receive electromagnetic flux, maintaining effective charging without requiring precise alignment between the device and charger
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-coil receiving system provides universal charging capability across multiple orientations and positions. Regardless of how the implantable device is oriented or positioned during charging, at least some of the receiving coils will be in effective coupling with the external charger, making the charging process robust and easy to operate without stringent alignment requirements
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 approach enhances energy transfer efficiency, reduces charging times, and allows for flexible power delivery even with sub-optimal alignment, ensuring consistent operation and reduced reliance on precise initial placement.
Implementation Method 1
the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil inductively couple with a wireless charger in response to the wireless charger outputting an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power system for an implantable device is described. The system includes multiple inductive charging coils to increase an effective area for receiving an electromagnetic charging field from a wireless charging device. The multiple inductive charging coils produce different alternating current signals in response to receiving the electromagnetic charging field. The system includes a rectifying circuit for rectifying the alternating current signals into direct current signals. The system also includes a current combination circuit for combining the multiple direct current signals into a single direct current for powering an operation of the implantable device. Methods and devices for implementing the power system in an implantable device are also described.