Segmented Inductive Charging Coils for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices with secondary cell batteries require patients to follow a rigorous recharging schedule and procedure, restricting their movement and favoring primary cell batteries over rechargeable options due to alignment and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
An inductive recharging system with a plurality of primary coils integrated into a non-conductive material, such as fabric, that auto-locates and charges a secondary coil using wireless data telemetry, allowing for automatic detection and alignment of the primary coil with the secondary coil, enabling charging without the need for patient compliance with precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single primary coil is used for inductive charging, then the alignment precision requirement is high, but the device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single primary coil into multiple segmented coils arranged in an array. Each coil can be independently controlled and activated. This segmentation allows the system to detect the position of the secondary coil by measuring induced voltage in different segments, thereby reducing alignment precision requirements while maintaining system manageability through selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point alignment approach to a multi-dimensional detection approach by arranging coils in a two-dimensional array. This spatial distribution enables position detection along multiple axes, converting a one-dimensional alignment problem into a multi-dimensional detection and localization problem, thereby reducing the stringency of alignment requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple primary coils are used to detect induced voltage for localization, then the localization accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary coil is segmented into multiple independent coils arranged in a controlled array. Each segment can be individually activated and measured, enabling precise localization through voltage comparison across segments while keeping each individual coil simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates coils in a periodic or sequential manner rather than simultaneously. By cycling through different coil combinations and measuring induced voltages at different time intervals, the system achieves accurate localization without requiring all coils to operate at once, thereby managing complexity through temporal separation of operations.
3Reliability
If a rigorous recharging schedule is required, then the charging reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the position of the secondary coil and activates the appropriate primary coil segments without user intervention. The localization algorithm autonomously determines optimal charging configuration based on measured induced voltages, eliminating the need for users to manually align devices or follow complex procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining charging reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors induced voltage across multiple coil segments and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust which coils are activated. This closed-loop control ensures reliable charging by adapting to the actual position of the secondary coil, while simultaneously simplifying operation as users only need to place the device on the charging surface without precise alignment.
4Measurement precision
If the patient must remain still during recharging, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the primary coil into multiple spatially distributed coils, the system can detect changes in the position of the secondary coil as the patient moves. Each segment provides localized voltage information that, when combined, enables continuous position tracking and dynamic adjustment of the charging configuration, maintaining alignment accuracy despite patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static alignment approach to a dynamic adaptation approach. Rather than requiring fixed positioning, the system continuously measures induced voltages across multiple coils and dynamically determines which segments to activate based on real-time position detection. This dynamic capability allows charging to proceed effectively even when patients move during the recharging process.
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 system allows for efficient and automatic recharging of implantable devices, reducing the need for patient compliance and enabling charging during rest or immobility, thereby increasing the usability and longevity of rechargeable implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first primary coil of the plurality of primary inductive coils is within operable proximity of an external secondary coil... control transfer of power between the primary coil and the secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
System and method of inductive charging and localization through using multiple primary inductive coils to detect the induced voltage of a secondary inductive coil
Data Source
AI summary
According one aspects, embodiments herein provide an inductive localization and charging system for detecting and charging a medical device comprising a plurality of primary inductive coils arranged within a dielectric material, an input connector coupled to the plurality of primary inductive coils and configured to receive input power, a controller coupled to the plurality of primary inductive coils and to the input connector, the controller configured to selectively activate each primary coil of the plurality of primary inductive coils, determine that a first primary coil of the plurality of primary inductive coils is within operable proximity of an external secondary coil located in the medical device, and control transfer of power between the primary coil and the secondary coil to charge the medical device.