Powered Case for Medical Device Battery Self-Discharge Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries in electroactive medical devices experience accelerated degradation due to self-discharging, leading to reduced energy storage capacity and shorter operational periods, posing challenges in maintaining their charging state above a lower threshold between manufacture and implantation, and existing solutions are either ineffective or labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A powered case with an energizing system and energy transfer system that maintains the integrated battery of electroactive medical devices within an optimal charging range, using various mechanisms such as primary and rechargeable batteries, inductive charging, and controllers to compensate for self-discharging through predetermined charging protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic manual monitoring of charging state is implemented, then the charging state can be tracked, but labor intensive operations and human errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The powered case incorporates an integrated controller that automatically monitors the battery's charging state and triggers recharging when needed, eliminating the need for manual monitoring by human workforce. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-service, reducing operational complexity and eliminating human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical monitoring process is replaced with an electronic automated system that uses sensors and controllers to continuously monitor and manage battery charging state. This substitution of manual operations with automated electronic control improves reliability while simplifying operations.
2Loss of energy
If the device is implanted quickly after manufacture to minimize self-discharge, then energy loss is reduced, but the distribution process cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The powered case pre-charges the battery before implantation using an external energizing system, ensuring the battery is fully charged regardless of storage duration. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need for quick implantation while maintaining optimal battery charge levels, allowing flexible distribution timelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered case acts as an intermediary system between the battery manufacturer and the implantation site, maintaining battery charging state throughout the distribution and storage period. This intermediary charging capability decouples the implantation timing from battery charge status, enabling distribution flexibility without energy loss.
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
Extends the operational lifetime of electroactive medical devices by maintaining battery health and reducing the frequency of battery replacements, thereby ensuring the devices remain functional for a longer period between recharges.
Implementation Method 1
an energizing system, configured to provide electric energy; and an energy transfer system, configured to receive energy from the energizing system; and to transfer the received energy to the integrated battery
Implementation Method 2
using various mechanisms such as primary and rechargeable batteries, inductive charging, and controllers to compensate for self-discharging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A powered case is provided that includes a case, configured to hold an electroactive medical device with an integrated battery; an energizing system, configured to provide electric energy; and an energy transfer system, configured to receive energy from the energizing system; and to transfer the received energy to the integrated battery of the electroactive medical device. Further, a medical device system is provided that can include an electroactive medical device, including an integrated battery; and a powered case, including a case, configured to hold the electroactive medical device with the integrated battery; an energizing system, configured to provide electric energy; and an energy transfer system, configured to receive energy from the energizing system; and to transfer the received energy to the integrated battery of the electroactive medical device.