Rechargeable Battery Wireless Charging Implantable Pacemaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leadless cardiac pacemakers and other implantable medical devices face challenges in achieving a long useful life expectancy while minimizing battery size, which affects device size and implantation ease.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery, capacitor, or supercapacitor, within the implantable medical device, allowing for wireless recharging using radiofrequency energy transmitted externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a larger battery is used to extend device life expectancy, then the useful life of the implantable medical device is improved, but the device size increases making it harder to implant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wireless recharging capability that allows the battery to be periodically recharged through the patient's body using external electromagnetic energy transmission. This periodic energy replenishment enables the use of a smaller battery while maintaining extended operational life, as the battery does not need to contain sufficient energy for the entire device lifespan in a single charge.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a larger battery is used to ensure sufficient energy storage, then the power supply duration is improved, but the internal space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external recharging system that acts as an intermediary energy source. Instead of relying solely on internal battery capacity, the system uses external electromagnetic energy transmission through the body to recharge the battery, thereby reducing the need for large internal energy storage while ensuring sufficient power supply duration.
3Ease of operation
If the device size is reduced for easier implantation, then the ease of implantation is improved, but the battery space is reduced limiting device longevity
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing wireless recharging capability, the system allows smaller batteries to achieve extended operational life through periodic energy replenishment. This enables device size reduction for easier implantation while maintaining longevity through external recharging sessions.
4Volume of moving object
If a rechargeable power source is implemented to reduce initial battery size, then the device size is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable power source is designed to be recharged wirelessly through the patient's body using external electromagnetic energy, eliminating the need for complex manual recharging mechanisms or battery replacements. The system automatically receives energy through the skin, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reduced device size.
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 enables the reduction of battery size without compromising device longevity, allowing for a smaller device that is easier to implant and potentially less expensive to produce.
Implementation Method 1
An external transmitter transmits radiofrequency energy that may be captured by the receiving antenna and then converted into electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
Implantable medical devices such as leadiess cardiac pacemakers may include a rechargeable power source. In some cases, a system may include an implanted device including a receiving antenna and an external transmitter that transmits radiofrequency energy that may be captured by the receiving antenna and then be converted into electrical energy that may be used to recharge a rechargeable power source. Accordingly, since the rechargeable power source does not have to maintain sufficient energy stores for the expected life of the implanted device, the power source itself and thus the implanted device, may be made smaller while still meeting device longevity expectations.