Wireless Power Receiver Pulse Detection for Implant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in wireless energy transfer systems, particularly in transcutaneous energy transfer, is the difficulty in precisely positioning the transmitter unit relative to the implanted receiver unit under the skin, which affects the efficiency of energy transfer and compliance with electromagnetic field regulations, as the receiver unit is not visible or easily detectable.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a receiver unit configured to generate an energy pulse when a voltage is supplied to the DC link capacitor, which is detected by the transmitter unit to determine optimal positioning, allowing automatic initiation of the charging process only when the coupling factor exceeds a predetermined threshold, ensuring efficient energy transfer and compliance with regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver unit is implanted under the skin for transcutaneous energy transfer, then the energy transfer system achieves a permanent solution without external cables, but the receiver unit becomes invisible and difficult to detect, making precise positioning of the transmitter unit difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver unit automatically generates positioning signals (energy pulses) without external intervention. The system self-positions by having the implanted receiver emit detectable pulses that guide the external transmitter to the correct location, eliminating the need for manual positioning or visible markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter detects energy pulses from the receiver and uses this feedback information to determine optimal positioning. The system continuously monitors the presence and strength of these pulses, allowing the transmitter to adjust its position automatically to maintain efficient coupling.
2Productivity
If the transmitter unit generates electromagnetic fields continuously, then energy transfer can be maintained, but uncontrolled field emissions may cause harmful heating of metallic objects in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system uses periodic energy pulses generated by the receiver unit. The transmitter only activates when it detects these periodic pulses, creating a controlled on/off cycle that prevents continuous electromagnetic field generation and associated heating risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver unit preliminarily signals its presence and readiness by generating detectable energy pulses before the transmitter activates. This preliminary action allows the system to verify correct positioning and readiness before initiating full power transmission, preventing premature or uncontrolled field emission.
3Reliability
If the transmitter unit is positioned away from the receiver unit, then safety margins are maintained, but the induced voltage in the secondary coil becomes too low for efficient energy transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the transmitter unit based on real-time detection of energy pulses from the receiver. Rather than maintaining a fixed distance, the transmitter moves to optimize coupling while respecting safety constraints, balancing efficiency and safety dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual positioning mechanisms with automated detection and positioning based on electromagnetic pulse detection. The transmitter uses electronic sensing of receiver pulses to determine optimal position, substituting mechanical adjustment with electromagnetic field-based positioning intelligence.
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 simplifies and automates the positioning of the transmitter unit, ensuring efficient energy transfer and preventing uncontrolled electromagnetic field emissions, thereby facilitating transcutaneous energy transfer while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless, in particular inductive, energy transfer can be used for the energy supply of loads and in particular for charging energy storage devices. This type of energy transfer can generate a magnetic field in a transmitter unit with a primary coil
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field inducing a voltage and thus a current flow in a receiver unit with a secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention firstly relates to a receiver unit (200), configured to interact for wireless energy transfer with a transmitter unit (100) separate from the receiving unit, said transmitter unit (100) comprising a primary coil (L1) that can be supplied with a supply voltage (UV), wherein the receiver unit (200) comprises a secondary coil (L2) to which a DC link capacitor (CZ) and an energy storage unit (220) are connected by a power converter (210). According to the invention, the receiver unit (200) contains a device (240) for actuating the power converter (210) when a voltage is applied on the DC link capacitor (CZ) for supplying an alternating current (I) flowing through the secondary coil (L2) by actuating the power converter (210) to generate an energy pulse (EP). Secondly, the invention relates to a transmitter unit (100) configured to interact with a receiver unit (200) separate from the transmitter unit for wireless energy transfer, wherein the transmitter unit (100) comprises a primary coil (L1) that can be supplied with a supply voltage (UV). There is a device (140) in the transmitter unit for detecting a voltage (UI) induced in the primary coil when the supply voltage is disconnected from the primary coil (L1).