Multiphase Wire Link for Implant Power and Bidirectional Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable biomedical devices face challenges in power and bidirectional data transmission between remote and main units due to size and weight constraints, and the need to avoid DC power transmission to prevent electrical current leakage into body tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system using a multiphase digital signal sent over multiple wires, where the signal is converted to DC power and uplink data is transmitted by amplitude modulating the received digital signal, allowing for reduced wire usage and safe power delivery while maintaining signal validity within noise margins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DC signal is used to transmit power over wires, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but harmful electrical current leakage into body tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using AC signals instead of DC signals for power transmission. The system transmits power using periodic AC waveforms that can be safely coupled to the body, eliminating the harmful continuous current flow of DC while maintaining efficient power delivery through the periodic nature of the signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism that allows power transmission without direct DC connection to the body. The system uses capacitive or inductive coupling as an intermediary, enabling power transfer while preventing harmful current leakage into body tissue through the use of isolated, non-galvanic connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If five wires are used to connect main and remote units (three for downlink, two for uplink), then bidirectional data transmission capability is improved, but wire bundle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into fewer wires by combining power transmission and bidirectional data communication into a single three-wire bundle. The system uses the same wires that carry AC power signals to also transmit data bidirectionally through modulation techniques, eliminating the need for separate dedicated data wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the wire bundle to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. The three wires are used for both power transmission and bidirectional data communication, making each wire universal in its function rather than dedicated to a single purpose, thereby reducing the total wire count while maintaining full functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If wire bundle size is reduced by using fewer wires, then implantable device size and weight are minimized, but power and bidirectional data transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and bidirectional data communication functions into the same three-wire bundle, achieving both miniaturization and full functionality. By merging these functions rather than separating them, the system maintains complete capability while minimizing wire bundle size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality with reduced wire count by making each wire perform multiple roles. The three wires simultaneously handle power delivery in both directions and bidirectional data transmission through signal modulation, ensuring no capability is lost despite the reduced physical footprint.
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
Enables efficient power and bidirectional data transmission with reduced wire count, minimizing size and weight, and preventing harmful electrical leakage, thus enhancing the safety and functionality of implantable biomedical devices.
Implementation Method 1
A multiphase digital signal is sent from a main unit to a remote unit over the plurality of wires and is converted to a DC power signal used to power the remote unit
Implementation Method 2
Uplink data is sent from the remote to the main over one selected wire during a predetermined time period for an uplink transmission by amplitude modulating the received digital signal at the remote
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for power and bidirectional data transmission using a plurality of wires. A multiphase digital signal is downlinked from a main unit to a remote unit over the plurality of wires and is converted to a DC power signal used to power the remote unit. Uplink data is sent from the remote to the main over one selected wire during a predetermined time period for an uplink transmission by amplitude modulating the received digital signal at the remote. During an uplink, the output impedance of the line driver in the main unit connected to the wire selected for the uplink is increased to allow for the uplink amplitude modulation. The modulated signal is maintained within the noise margins of the digital circuits in the main and remote units.