Implantable Medical Device RF Power and Data Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face limitations due to small battery size and frequent recharging needs, resulting in low-capacity devices with reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implantable medical device that can be awakened and powered by an RF signal, utilizing a power processing block to convert the RF signal into DC power for energizing the device, a data communication circuit for demodulating data signals, and a charge unit for charging the battery, along with a control unit for managing power supply based on detected data signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery size is increased to extend operation duration, then the device volume must be increased, but the implantable device size is limited by the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wireless power transfer through an external charger that periodically transmits power via magnetic coupling to the implanted device. This allows the internal battery to be recharged externally without increasing device volume, extending operation duration through repeated charging cycles rather than relying on a larger initial battery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external charging device as an intermediary that provides power to the implanted device wirelessly through magnetic coupling. This mediator transfers energy across the skin boundary without requiring physical penetration or increasing the implanted device size, solving the contradiction between extended duration and limited volume
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device components are minimized to reduce power consumption, then the functionality is reduced, but the medical device requires adequate functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the control unit selectively activates circuit components based on operational needs and available power levels. The device can dynamically adjust its functionality and power consumption characteristics, enabling adequate functionality when powered while maintaining low power consumption during battery-operated modes through selective component activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as clock frequency, data transmission rate, and component activation states based on power availability. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the device can provide adequate functionality when external power is available while minimizing power consumption during battery operation, resolving the contradiction between functionality and power usage
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 reduces power consumption and extends battery life by enabling efficient power management and data communication, enhancing the usability and functionality of implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary coil configured to receive an RF signal from the external terminal by an induction of an induced electromotive force between the primary coil and the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes a secondary coil for receiving an RF signal from the external terminal by an induced electromotive force excited by an external terminal primary coil. RF signal includes a power signal for energizing the medical device and data signal generated upon modulation of the power signal for use in controlling the medical device. The implantable medical device further comprises: a power processing block for converting the received power signal into DC for use by the implantable medical device; a data communication circuit activated by the DC supplied from the power processing block for demodulating the modulated data signal from the RF signal; a charge unit for charging a battery with the DC supplied from the power processing block; and a control unit to be operative by a power supply from the battery for controlling the implantable medical device according to the demodulated data signal.