Removable Phase Change Heat Sink for Wireless Charging Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices experience discomfort and reduced operational efficiency due to heat generated during wireless energy transfer, as the primary coil's temperature increase can be uncomfortable for patients and lead to premature termination of charging sessions.
Innovation Solution
A heat sink device with a phase change material is removably attached to the energy transfer coil to absorb heat, using a coupling mechanism for thermal communication, allowing the phase change material to change state without increasing temperature, thus maintaining the coil at lower temperatures for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive coupling is used to recharge the power source, then wireless energy transfer is achieved, but heat is generated in the primary coil causing discomfort and reduced operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A phase change material is introduced as an intermediary between the primary coil and the external environment. This material absorbs excess heat from the coil during inductive coupling through thermal conduction, undergoing phase transition (e.g., solid to liquid) at a specific temperature to capture latent heat, thereby maintaining the coil temperature at comfortable levels while enabling continuous wireless charging operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of a thermal management material to manage heat from the primary coil. The material is selected to undergo phase change (such as melting) at or near the desired maximum coil temperature, absorbing large amounts of heat during the phase transition process without significant temperature increase, thus maintaining thermal comfort during wireless charging
2Productivity
If the primary coil temperature increases during charging, then energy transfer continues, but patient comfort is reduced and charging sessions are terminated prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
A phase change material serves as a thermal intermediary between the primary coil and the patient's body. This material absorbs excess heat from the coil through thermal conduction and stores it during phase transition, preventing heat transfer to the patient and extending charging session duration by maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the charging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated during inductive coupling into a beneficial thermal storage process. The phase change material absorbs the waste heat that would otherwise cause discomfort, utilizing the phase transition process to store thermal energy, thereby transforming a harmful effect into a useful thermal management mechanism that extends charging duration
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
The heat sink device effectively manages temperature, enhancing patient comfort and extending the operational life of implantable medical devices by maintaining the energy transfer coil at lower temperatures during charging sessions.
Implementation Method 1
A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material may be contained within thermally conductive tubes or channels configured in shapes that promote flexibility of the housing and contact with the primary coil
Implementation Method 3
An electrical current applied to the primary coil generates a magnetic field, and when the primary coil is aligned to the secondary coil, the magnetic field induces an electrical current in the secondary coil within the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils (e.g., a primary coil and a secondary coil) may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil. In one example, the phase change material may be configured to absorb heat from an energy transfer coil. A housing may be configured to contain the phase change material and a coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach the housing to the energy transfer coil.