Non-Inductive Wireless Power Receiver for Implantable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices that rely on batteries or charge storage components require replacement surgeries when the battery or charge storage component can no longer function, and rechargeable devices cannot administer therapy during charging.
Innovation Solution
A wireless implantable power receiver system using non-inductive antennas and electronic circuitry to convert radiated energy into a DC power supply, eliminating the need for batteries and wired connections, and providing power directly to medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery or charge storage component is used to power the implantable device, then the device can operate independently, but the device requires replacement surgery when the battery is depleted and has limited operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery and charge storage component from the implantable device, extracting the source of limited operational duration and replacement requirements. The device is powered wirelessly through an antenna that receives electromagnetic energy from an external transmitter, eliminating the need for internal power storage and subsequent replacement surgeries.
2Ease of operation
If a battery is used to power the implantable device, then the device can function autonomously, but the device size increases and requires more invasive surgical placement
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the device architecture, allowing the implantable unit to be significantly reduced in size. The external transmitter assumes the power storage and delivery function, enabling the implanted device to be small enough for minimally invasive placement procedures.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery is used in the implantable device, then the operational duration can be extended, but the device cannot administer therapy during charging and requires additional surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system enables continuous operation of the implantable device without interruption for charging. The external transmitter can continuously or periodically transmit electromagnetic energy through the skin to the implanted antenna, ensuring the device maintains power for ongoing therapy administration without pauses or additional surgical procedures.
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 continuous operation of implantable medical devices without the need for battery replacement surgeries, reduces device size and invasiveness, and allows for smaller form factors with minimal tissue disruption, while supporting various therapeutic functions.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more non-inductive antennas are configured to receive radiated energy
Implementation Method 2
The rectification circuitry and the smoothing circuitry may be passive and further include one or more diodes
Implementation Method 3
The smoothing circuitry may further include one or more resistors and one or more capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is presented for an implantable wireless power receiver for use with a medical stimulation or monitoring device. The receiver receives transmitted energy through one or more non-inductive antenna(s), utilizes microelectronics to perform rectification of the received signal for generation of a DC power supply to power an implantable device, and may also utilize microelectronics to provide parameter settings to the device, or stimulating or other waveforms to a tissue.