Self-Resonant Field Focusing Element for Implantable Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless power transfer systems for implantable devices face inefficiencies due to tissue layers between coils and require precise alignment, making battery replacement surgeries complex and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A system using a first coil connected to a power source generating a magnetic field, a field-focusing element acting as a self-resonant coil with standing wave current distribution to enhance coupling between coils, and a second coil within the implantable device for efficient power transfer to rechargeable batteries, allowing for focused magnetic field transmission through tissue layers without alignment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an inductive coupling system is used for contactless power transfer, then power can be transferred wirelessly to the implantable device, but the efficiency is reduced due to tissue layers between the coils
Solution Approach 1:
A field-focusing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary coil and secondary coil. This element actively concentrates and directs the magnetic field lines through the tissue layers to the secondary coil, mediating the harmful effect of tissue interference by channeling the magnetic flux through a defined path that minimizes dispersion and maximizes coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The field-focusing element creates a localized region of enhanced magnetic field strength at the position of the secondary coil. By concentrating the magnetic flux density in the specific region where power transfer is needed, the system overcomes the attenuating effect of tissue layers without requiring increased overall power output, thus improving local power transfer efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If an inductive coupling system is used for contactless power transfer, then wireless charging is enabled, but precise alignment between the external charging device and the secondary coil is required
Solution Approach 1:
The field-focusing element acts as a magnetic field mediator that is less sensitive to misalignment than direct coil-to-coil coupling. It redistributes the magnetic flux to maintain coupling even when the external charging device is not perfectly aligned with the secondary coil, thereby reducing the stringency of alignment requirements and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The field-focusing element provides dynamic adaptation to alignment variations by continuously redirecting magnetic flux lines toward the secondary coil regardless of the external device's position. This dynamic field shaping capability allows the system to maintain effective power transfer across a broader range of alignments, reducing the need for precise positioning.
3Duration of action of moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used to extend time between surgeries, then battery replacement frequency is reduced, but the charging process becomes complex due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The field-focusing element simplifies the charging process by mediating the magnetic coupling between the external charger and implantable battery. This intermediary component enables reliable power transfer without requiring the patient to perform precise alignment maneuvers, making the charging process more convenient and easier to perform at home, thus supporting extended intervals between surgical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The field-focusing element enables the implantable device to be recharged by the patient themselves without requiring medical professional assistance or complex alignment procedures. By making the charging process robust to misalignment, the system allows patients to independently maintain their battery charge, improving ease of operation and reducing the burden of frequent surgical interventions.
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 enables efficient and convenient contactless charging of implantable device batteries, reducing the need for frequent surgeries and improving charging efficiency across tissue layers, while allowing for simultaneous data signal transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil electrically couplable to a power source, wherein the first coil is configured to produce a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a field focusing element disposed between the first coil and the second coil and configured as a self resonant coil having a standing wave current distribution to focus the magnetic field onto the second coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for contactless power transfer in implantable devices for charging rechargeable batteries disposed within the implantable devices are provided. The system includes a first coil electrically couplable to a power source, wherein the first coil is configured to produce a magnetic field. The system further includes a second coil electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery disposed within the implantable device and configured to receive power from the first coil via the magnetic field and to transfer the power to the rechargeable battery. The system also includes a field focusing element disposed between the first coil and the second coil and configured as a self resonant coil having a standing wave current distribution to focus the magnetic field onto the second coil and enhance the coupling between the first coil and the second coil.