Power Scaling for Implanted Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for delivering power to implanted medical devices, such as artificial hearts and ventricle assist devices, face limitations due to limited power and coupling ranges, and the risk of overheating caused by non-optimal electromagnetic energy transfer, which can lead to injury before issues are detected.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures and calculates parameters to control and monitor power transfer by shifting between scalable power and coupling modes based on input data, electrical loading, and detected temperature changes, using a variable transformer, voltage regulator, or phase shifted bridge controller to adjust power and coupling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the resonant network is designed for startup conditions requiring high power, then high power transfer is achieved, but the power range is limited and normal operating conditions cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different resonant networks (first and second resonant networks) based on operating conditions. The controller selects which resonant network to use depending on whether the system is in startup mode or normal operation mode, allowing the power transfer characteristics to adapt dynamically to different power level requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant network is divided into multiple separate resonant networks (first resonant network for startup, second resonant network for normal operation) with different design optimizations. Each segment is specialized for its specific operating condition, and the controller switches between them based on the current operational state
2Power
If electromagnetic energy transfer is increased to meet power demands, then power delivery is improved, but overheating and injury risk increase due to non-optimal coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the coupling coefficient between the external primary coil and implanted secondary coil. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts which resonant network to use and optimizes power transfer parameters to maintain optimal coupling conditions, preventing both under-coupling (insufficient power) and over-coupling (excessive heating)
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (switching between different resonant networks with different inductance and capacitance values) to optimize power transfer efficiency at different coupling conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying distances and orientations between coils, maintaining safe and efficient operation across different scenarios
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 approach extends the power and coupling ranges, prevents overheating, and ensures safer operation by dynamically adjusting power transfer modes in response to changing conditions, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of implanted medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
deliver power non-invasively through electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin
Implementation Method 2
the resonant network that transfers power from the primary to the secondary
Implementation Method 3
measures parameters and uses the parameters to calculate a coupling coefficient for coils that transfer power
Implementation Method 4
the secondary can heat-up and injure the subject due to inadvertent non-optimal coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring and calculating parameters to control and monitor a power transfer in an implanted medical device, including operating the device in a plurality of scalable power modes and/or coupling modes. The system may shift between or among power and/or coupling modes based on input such as data received over system communication lines, programmable timers, or electrical loading information. The system may also shift between or among power and/or coupling modes based on calculated amounts of coupling, levels of detected heat flux, and/or amounts of estimated temperature changes.