Selective Voltage Boosting in Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices using primary batteries face inefficiencies due to the need for constant voltage boosting, which consumes power and reduces the lifespan of the battery, especially in devices where the battery voltage is below the threshold required for circuit operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a boost converter that selectively boosts the primary battery voltage only when it falls below a predetermined threshold, allowing certain circuitry to operate directly at lower voltages and reducing unnecessary power consumption by eliminating constant boosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant voltage boosting is applied to maintain circuit operation, then circuit functionality is ensured, but power consumption increases and battery lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage boosting by selectively activating the boost converter only when battery voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. The control circuit monitors battery voltage and dynamically switches the boost converter on or off based on real-time conditions, rather than maintaining constant boosting. This dynamic approach ensures circuit functionality is maintained only when necessary, reducing unnecessary power consumption during periods when battery voltage is sufficient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If boost converter is continuously operated to maintain voltage threshold, then circuit operation is stable, but battery lifespan is reduced due to increased power draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic monitoring of battery voltage by the control circuit, which checks voltage levels at intervals and activates the boost converter only during periods when voltage falls below the threshold. This periodic action replaces continuous boosting, maintaining voltage stability when needed while allowing the battery to operate at natural voltage levels during other periods, thereby extending battery lifespan.
3Use of energy by moving object
If selective voltage boosting is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but circuit operation may be affected when voltage fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the control circuit continuously monitors battery voltage and uses this information to control the boost converter operation. When voltage drops below the threshold, the control circuit activates the boost converter to raise voltage; when voltage recovers above the threshold, the control circuit deactivates the converter. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable circuit operation while minimizing power consumption by activating boosting only when actually needed.
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 results in significant power savings and improved efficiency by minimizing the reliance on the boost converter, extending the battery life and reducing power draw in implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter for selectively boosting the voltage from the primary battery
Data Source
AI summary
An improved architecture for an implantable medical device using a primary battery is disclosed which reduces the need for boosting the voltage of the primary battery, and hence reduces the power draw in the implant. The architecture includes a boost converter for boosting the voltage of the primary battery and for supplying that boosted voltage to certain of the circuit blocks, which is particularly useful if the battery voltage is necessarily lower than the minimal input power supply voltage necessary for the circuit blocks to operate. However, circuitry capable of operation even at low battery voltages—including the telemetry tank circuitry and the compliance voltage generator—receives the battery voltage directly without boosting, thus saving power.