External Pacemaker Power Supply with Auxiliary Battery and Photovoltaic Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary pacemakers have limited battery life, requiring frequent replacements, which poses risks due to the need for continuous operation during replacement and potential sudden malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control unit and switching systems that alternately supply power between a main battery, an auxiliary battery, and a photovoltaic panel, allowing selection based on charge levels to extend operational time and ensure continuous functionality during battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single battery is used to power the pacemaker, then the device structure remains simple, but the battery life is limited and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources (main battery and auxiliary battery) that can operate separately or together. Each battery can be replaced independently, extending the overall operational duration without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary battery is integrated into the pacemaker housing in a nested configuration, allowing it to coexist with the main battery. The auxiliary battery can be recharged from the main battery when both are present, creating a nested power architecture.
2Loss of time
If a short-duration accessory system (e.g., capacitors) is used during battery replacement, then the device complexity remains low, but the replacement time window is extremely limited and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary battery is pre-charged to a sufficient level before the main battery is removed. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the main battery is disconnected, the auxiliary battery immediately takes over, providing a generous time window for replacement without risk of interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary battery acts as an intermediary power source between the old main battery and the replacement battery. It bridges the power supply gap during the replacement process, ensuring continuous operation while allowing adequate time for the procedure.
3Reliability
If the auxiliary battery continuously charges the main battery, then the main battery maintains high charge level, but the auxiliary battery depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The charging relationship between batteries is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically switches the charging direction based on real-time charge levels: when the auxiliary battery charge exceeds the main battery charge, the auxiliary charges the main; otherwise, the main charges the auxiliary. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the operational duration of both batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors and adjusts the charge parameters (current, voltage, direction) between batteries based on their state of charge. This parameter changes approach ensures that the auxiliary battery is not continuously drained to charge the main battery, but rather maintains an optimal charge balance that extends both battery lifetimes.
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 significantly extends the time available for battery replacement, enhancing safety by providing a backup power source and reducing the risk of sudden malfunctions during complex procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic panel F which can be connected to the main battery B to supply it
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
This invention concerns a device for the temporary treatment of the heart rate, also known as an external pacemaker, integrated with a supply system that makes it possible to increase the operation of the device and to allow more time to replace the main battery of the system compared with prior art devices.