Passive Implant Charging via Proximity-Activated Coil Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical devices require frequent and intentional charging, limiting patient mobility and flexibility as they need to actively manage the charging process, which can be cumbersome and interrupt daily activities.

Innovation Solution

A passive external power source system using multiple primary coils integrated into everyday articles like bedding or clothing, which automatically activates upon proximity to the implanted medical device, allowing for continuous charging without patient intervention, utilizing sensors for proximity detection and modulation to ensure efficient energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If transcutaneous energy transfer is used to power implantable medical devices, then electrical power can be delivered to the implanted device, but the patient must actively manage the charging process which limits mobility and flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer to implanted deviceVSAvoidpatient mobility and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the implanted device through sensors and initiates energy transfer without patient intervention. The external power source autonomously manages the charging process, eliminating the need for the patient to actively connect or monitor the charging, thus resolving the contradiction between energy transfer and patient mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection methods with automatic sensor-based detection and wireless electromagnetic energy transfer. This substitution eliminates the need for physical alignment and connection actions by the patient, improving ease of operation while maintaining effective energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If external chargers are used for transcutaneous energy transfer, then the implanted device can be charged, but the charging process is cumbersome and interrupts daily activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging of implanted deviceVSAvoidtime lost to charging procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the implanted device automatically, so that when the patient approaches or uses the external power source, the charging process is already initiated or ready to begin immediately, minimizing interruption to daily activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The external power source autonomously manages the entire charging process including detection, initiation, and monitoring, eliminating the time the patient would spend manually managing the charging procedure and reducing loss of time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If the patient must consciously remain in contact with or proximity to the external charging device, then energy transfer can be maintained, but the flexibility and mobility of the patient is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer to deviceVSAvoidpatient flexibility and mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to continuously detect the presence and proximity of the implanted device, providing feedback that allows the external power source to automatically adjust and maintain effective energy transfer. This feedback mechanism enables the patient to move more freely while the system autonomously maintains optimal charging conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 patients to engage in normal daily activities without worrying about charging, providing a sense of freedom and convenience by allowing continuous, automatic recharging of implantable medical devices, even during sleep or routine tasks, with the system automatically turning on and off based on proximity.

Implementation Method 1

electrical power can be transcutaneously transferred through the use of inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A sensor is coupled to modulation circuit and is adapted to sense proximity of a component related to the implantable medical device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8285388B2Passive charge of implantable medical device utilizing external power source and method

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

External power source for an implantable medical device implanted in a patient, the implantable medical device having a secondary coil operatively coupled to therapeutic componentry and method therefore. A modulation circuit is operatively coupled to a power source. A plurality of primary coils are operatively coupled to the modulation circuitry and physically associated with an article into which the patient may come into proximity. The modulation circuit drives at least one of the plurality of primary coils. A sensor is coupled to modulation circuit and is adapted to sense proximity of a component related to the implantable medical device. The modulation circuit commences operation to drive at least one of the plurality of primary coils when the sensor senses proximity with the component related to the implantable medical device.