Planar Transformer Assemblies for Implantable Defibrillators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar transformer assemblies for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) occupy significant space due to their physical separation from other circuitry components, necessitating a more compact configuration for effective capacitor charging.
Innovation Solution
A planar transformer assembly with windings arranged to minimize voltage across dielectric layers, featuring a primary winding and multiple secondary windings stacked in series, with a hierarchical configuration and turn ratio of approximately 10:1, and formed on multiple dielectric layers to reduce size and prevent mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional transformer assemblies use physically separate components (primary and secondary windings around toroid-shaped magnetic core), then the transformer can effectively charge capacitors, but the assembly occupies significant space within the ICD canister
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional toroid-shaped magnetic core with windings to a two-dimensional planar configuration where windings are embedded between opposing sides of a printed circuit board. This dimensional reduction significantly decreases the volume occupied by the transformer assembly while maintaining the electromagnetic coupling necessary for capacitor charging effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the transformer components (primary winding, secondary windings, and magnetic core) into a single planar assembly where the windings are embedded within the PCB structure. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall assembly size while preserving the functional relationship between windings for effective capacitor charging.
2Volume of moving object
If planar flyback transformers embed windings between opposing sides of a printed circuit board with a planar magnetic core, then the space occupied by the transformer assembly is reduced, but the voltage across dielectric layers increases causing mechanical damage and reduced dielectric life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple secondary windings in a nested hierarchical configuration where windings are stacked in series with alternating orientations. This nesting approach minimizes the voltage potential difference across any single dielectric layer while maintaining the required turns ratio for capacitor charging, thereby extending dielectric material life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the orientation and positioning of secondary windings relative to the primary winding based on their voltage potential. Windings with lower DC voltage relative to ground are positioned closer to the primary winding, while those with higher voltage are positioned farther away. This localized optimization minimizes voltage stress on dielectric layers while maintaining transformation effectiveness.
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 compact design reduces the size of the transformer assembly, minimizing voltage across dielectric layers and extending the life of dielectric materials, while maintaining effective charging of capacitors for ICDs.
Implementation Method 1
A transformer assembly 210 of shocking circuit 206 typically comprises a flyback transformer coupled between battery 202 and capacitor element 211 for incremental charging of capacitor element 211
Data Source
AI summary
A planar transformer assembly, for use in charging capacitors of an ICD, includes windings arranged to minimize voltage across intervening dielectric layers. Each secondary winding of a preferred plurality of secondary windings is arranged relative to a primary winding, in a hierarchical fashion, such that the DC voltage, with respect to ground, of a first secondary winding, of the plurality of secondary windings, is lower than that of a second secondary winding, with respect to ground, wherein the first secondary winding is in closest proximity to the primary winding. The primary winding and each secondary winding are preferably formed on a corresponding plurality of dielectric layers.