Pacemaker Magnetization Section Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited energy storage capacity of implanted pacemakers due to restricted installation space and high current demand leads to frequent battery replacement, with contactless recharging being inefficient due to low penetration depth of electromagnetic fields, especially through metal housings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pacemaker with a magnetization section having aligned magnetic domains that generates a charging pulse through a magnetic reversal wave induced by an external magnetic field, allowing for contactless recharging via indirect induction, which is not dependent on high-frequency electromagnetic fields, enabling efficient energy transfer through metal housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery is implanted in the pacemaker to supply electrical energy, then the electronics can function, but the limited space restricts battery capacity and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between an external charging device and the implanted pacemaker. This mediator enables wireless energy transfer through the skin and metal housing without requiring physical contact or opening the implant, thus preserving the limited internal space while enabling external recharging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical battery replacement procedure with a magnetic induction-based wireless charging system. Instead of surgically removing and replacing depleted batteries, the system uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy inductively through the metal housing, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and extending device lifespan
2Ease of operation
If wireless recharging via induction is implemented, then battery replacement can be avoided, but the penetration depth of electromagnetic fields is too low through metal housings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the magnetic induction system by using low-frequency alternating magnetic fields instead of high-frequency electromagnetic fields. This parameter change enables the magnetic fields to penetrate the metal housing effectively, as low-frequency fields experience less skin effect and electromagnetic shielding, allowing wireless charging to work through the implanted device's metal enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of metal housing (which blocked electromagnetic fields) into a beneficial feature by using low-frequency magnetic induction. The metal housing that once prevented wireless charging now becomes transparent to low-frequency magnetic fields, allowing the same structure to provide both electromagnetic shielding for high-frequency signals and magnetic field penetration for low-frequency charging
3Power
If high-frequency electromagnetic fields are used for wireless charging, then power transfer can be achieved, but the metal housing blocks the fields due to skin effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the frequency parameter from high-frequency electromagnetic fields to low-frequency alternating magnetic fields. This parameter change eliminates the skin effect blocking caused by the metal housing, as low-frequency magnetic fields can penetrate conductive materials effectively while still enabling sufficient power transfer for pacemaker charging
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 solution extends the pacemaker's service life by allowing easy recharging without the need for battery replacement, reducing the risk of short circuits and enabling miniaturization of the energy storage component, while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetization section with aligned magnetic domains, which can be influenced without contact by a changing (external) magnetic field in such a way that, from the point at which a certain field strength (amplitude) is reached, a remagnetization wave occurs in it, leading to the generation of the charging pulse
Implementation Method 2
the generation of the charging pulse... caused by the continuously reversed magnetic domains
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic pacemaker for implantation into the body of a living being and for controlling a bodily function, wherein the pacemaker comprises: an electrode section which is intended to be attached to a body part; electronics connected to the electrode section which are configured to generate a pulse, in particular a voltage pulse, and to transmit this pulse via the electrode section to the body part for controlling the bodily function; a battery for supplying the electronics with electrical energy which can be recharged after discharge; and a charging pulse generation section electrically connected to the battery which is configured to deliver a charging pulse to the battery for recharging the battery;wherein the charging pulse generation section includes a magnetization section with aligned magnetic domains, which can be influenced by a changing magnetic field in such a contactless manner that, upon reaching a certain field strength, a remagnetization wave leading to the generation of the charging pulse occurs in it, which travels over the magnetization section and is caused by the continuously reversed magnetic domains.