Receiver Coil Wake-Up Circuit for Shelf-Mode Battery Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable electronic devices face the challenge of power drainage when not in use, as components may continue to draw power from the internal battery, potentially leading to a dropped voltage below a minimal threshold, making recharging hazardous and reducing the battery's lifecycle.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a microcontroller and a receiver coil that, in response to a changing magnetic field, switches a battery switch from an open to a closed configuration, allowing power to be provided to the microcontroller and maintaining it for a set time period, ensuring the battery is not excessively drained during shelf mode, and ceasing to maintain the switch closed if no communication is received from an external device within that time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If components remain electrically connected to the battery during shelf mode, then the device can be quickly activated when needed, but the battery will drain and voltage may drop below minimal threshold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation speedVSAvoidbattery drainage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection between the battery and components is segmented into two distinct states: shelf mode (disconnected) and operational mode (connected). The battery switch creates a clear separation, allowing the system to isolate the battery from power-consuming components during shelf storage while enabling rapid reconnection when activation is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the disconnected state during shelf mode, preventing battery drainage before it occurs. The battery switch is configured to maintain the off state as the default condition, proactively protecting against energy loss rather than reacting after drainage begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the battery switch is kept closed to maintain power supply, then components can operate continuously, but the battery voltage may drop below minimal threshold during extended non-use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidbattery voltage drop
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The battery switch transitions from a static to a dynamic state, changing between open and closed configurations based on operational requirements. During shelf mode, the switch remains open to prevent drainage; during operational mode, it closes to enable continuous power supply, adapting to the system's needs in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the microcontroller that monitor battery status and control the battery switch accordingly. The microcontroller can detect when the device is in shelf mode versus operational mode and adjust the switch state to maintain battery voltage above minimal thresholds while enabling continuous operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the microcontroller continuously monitors and maintains battery switch state, then battery protection is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery protectionVSAvoidmicrocontroller power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller employs periodic action by monitoring and maintaining the battery switch state only during operational mode when the device is actively in use. During shelf mode, the microcontroller enters a low-power state with minimal or no monitoring, reducing power consumption while still providing battery protection when the system is active and needs protection most.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The battery switch is designed to maintain its state autonomously during shelf mode without requiring continuous microcontroller intervention. The switch configuration and circuit design allow it to self-maintain the disconnected state, reducing the burden on the microcontroller and minimizing its power consumption while still achieving reliable battery protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively conserves battery life by maintaining the battery voltage above a minimal threshold during extended non-use periods, preventing premature wear and ensuring safe recharging, thereby extending the battery's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a receiver coil configured, in response to being positioned in a changing magnetic field, to generate an alternating electric current and to change, via the alternating electric current, the first battery switch from the opened configuration to the closed configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240113534A1Wake-able electronic device and methods for waking thereof
Publication Date: 2024.04.04 ALFRED E MANN FOUND FOR SCI RES
  • US20240113534A1 patent drawing
  • US20240113534A1 patent drawing
  • US20240113534A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device, includes: a battery; a microcontroller configured to receive power from the battery along a first path comprising a first battery switch configured to change between an opened configuration and a closed configuration; and a receiver coil configured, in response to being positioned in a changing magnetic field, to generate an alternating electric current and to change, via the alternating electric current, the first battery switch from the opened configuration to the closed configuration.