Segmented Helmholtz Coils for Deep Implant Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transmission systems for implantable medical devices are limited by the need for devices or charging circuits to be close to the skin surface, requiring high operational voltages and prone to reliability issues due to wire movement, and are not suitable for deeply embedded devices like capsule endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic power transmission device using a Helmholtz coil configuration with segmented coils and capacitors to create a uniform magnetic field deep within the body, reducing the required voltage and minimizing impedance, allowing power transfer without wires near the skin surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current wireless power transmission systems are used, then power can be transmitted wirelessly, but the device or charging circuit must be located close to the skin surface (within 1 cm)
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting coil is divided into multiple segments (first transmitting coil and second transmitting coil) arranged along a common axis. This segmentation allows the system to achieve deeper penetration into the body while maintaining effective power transmission, as each segment contributes to the overall magnetic field generation without requiring the entire system to be positioned close to the skin surface.
2Power
If current wireless power transmission systems are used, then power can be transmitted wirelessly, but high operational voltages are required
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the transmitting coil into segments reduces the inductive impedance of each individual coil segment compared to a single large coil. This reduction in impedance allows for lower operational voltages to achieve the same power transmission level, as each segment operates at reduced voltage while collectively providing the required power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane coil configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement with coils positioned along the z-axis (common axis). This dimensional change enables more efficient magnetic field distribution and coupling, improving power transfer efficiency and reducing the voltage required for operation.
3Power
If wires are placed close to the skin surface for charging, then power can be transmitted, but the wires are susceptible to reliability issues due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based power transmission system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. By using magnetic coupling through transmitting and receiving coils, the system eliminates physical wires that are susceptible to movement-induced damage, while maintaining effective power transmission to implanted devices.
4Length of stationary object
If transcutaneous transformers are used for deeply embedded devices, then power can be transmitted deeper, but precise coil alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented coil configuration with multiple transmitting coils arranged along a common axis provides a more robust magnetic field distribution that is less sensitive to alignment variations. The distributed nature of the segmented coils creates a broader effective coupling zone, reducing the precision requirements compared to a single transcutaneous transformer.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging coils along the z-axis (common axis) rather than in a single plane, the system creates a three-dimensional magnetic field structure that improves coupling with deeply embedded devices. This dimensional arrangement enhances the magnetic field penetration and reduces sensitivity to lateral misalignment.
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
Enables reliable and efficient wireless charging of implanted medical devices deep within the body at lower operational voltages, reducing the risk of wire damage and disconnection, and eliminating the need for frequent surgeries for battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of capacitors are connected in series along the at least one conductor winding of the first transmitting coil... an input connection is electrically coupled to the first transmitting coil and the second transmitting coil to deliver an excitation voltage... to produce a substantially uniform magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for wirelessly transmitting power to an implanted medical device. The wireless transmission system including a first and second transmitting coil both the first and second coil having substantially equal diameters and at least one conductor winding. A gap between the first transmitting second transmitting coil extending along a common axis by a distance equal to the radius of the first transmitting coil. A plurality of capacitors connected in series along the at least one conductor of the transmitting coils to divide the transmitting coils into a plurality of coil segments. An input connection is electronically coupled to the transmitting coils to deliver an excitation voltage to the transmitting coils to produce a substantially uniform magnetic field between the first transmitting coil and the second transmitting coil.