Open-Core Wireless Power Resonator for EMI and Cooling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer systems for ventricular assist devices face challenges in reducing far-field electromagnetic emissions and improving cooling of the transmit resonator, which are essential for minimizing interference with other devices and ensuring efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A resonator design featuring a housing with a magnetic core that defines an annular groove and a central aperture, where a coil element is positioned within the groove and at least one layer of non-magnetic, non-metallic material is placed within the aperture, reducing far-field electromagnetic emissions and potentially improving cooling by using an open core configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a traditional closed magnetic core is used in the transmit resonator, then magnetic field containment is improved, but far-field electromagnetic emissions increase and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central portion of the magnetic core to create an open core configuration with a central aperture. This extraction of the central core material eliminates the source of far-field electromagnetic emissions while maintaining the magnetic coupling efficiency needed for power transfer, and allows improved heat dissipation through the opened center region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a symmetric closed magnetic core to an asymmetric open core with a central aperture. This asymmetric configuration disrupts the continuous magnetic path that generates far-field emissions while preserving the essential magnetic coupling function, and creates asymmetric heat flow paths that improve cooling efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a closed magnetic core is used, then magnetic coupling efficiency is maintained, but cooling of the resonator is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the magnetic core by leaving the outer annular portion intact while removing the central portion. The outer region maintains magnetic coupling functionality, while the central aperture region provides enhanced heat dissipation, achieving local optimization of both power transfer and thermal management.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If far-field electromagnetic emissions are reduced through core modification, then interference with other devices is minimized, but magnetic field containment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes only the central portion of the magnetic core rather than the entire core, applying partial action. This selective removal is sufficient to eliminate far-field emissions while preserving enough magnetic material in the outer annular region to maintain reliable power transfer coupling.
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
The solution effectively decreases far-field electromagnetic emissions by up to 5% and may enhance heat transport, thereby reducing the resonator's temperature, while maintaining efficient power transfer to implanted devices.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless power transfer system may be used to supply power to the VAD. The wireless power transfer system generally includes an external transmit resonator and an implantable receive resonator
Implementation Method 2
at least one layer positioned within the central aperture, the at least one layer comprising a non-magnetic, non-metallic material
Data Source
AI summary
Resonators for use in a transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) are provided. A resonator includes a housing, a magnetic core positioned within the housing, the magnetic core defining an annular groove and a central aperture, a coil element positioned within the annular groove, and at least one layer positioned within the central aperture, the at least one layer comprising a non-magnetic, non-metallic material.