Series-Parallel Capacitor Discharge to Prevent Reverse Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitors in cardiac therapy devices can become reverse biased due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to undesired electrochemical reactions and reduced efficacy of pacing therapy when capacitors are not discharged evenly.
Innovation Solution
The processing circuitry periodically interrupts the discharge of capacitors coupled in series and recharges them in parallel to a common voltage, repeating this process until the desired discharge voltage level is reached, ensuring even voltage distribution across capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If capacitors are discharged continuously without interruption, then discharge speed is improved, but voltage distribution uniformity deteriorates causing reverse biasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by interrupting the capacitor discharge process at predetermined intervals and periodically reversing the discharge path. The control circuit stops discharge when voltage reaches a first threshold, then reverses the discharge path to allow capacitors to equalize voltage. This periodic interruption and reversal prevents reverse biasing while maintaining overall discharge speed through multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the discharge path reversible and adaptable. The control circuit dynamically switches between normal discharge mode and reverse discharge mode based on voltage thresholds. When voltage reaches the first threshold, the system transitions to reverse discharge mode to equalize voltages, then returns to normal discharge mode. This dynamic adjustment ensures uniform voltage distribution throughout the discharge process.
2Reliability
If capacitors are discharged to eliminate residual charge, then safety is improved, but capacitor integrity deteriorates due to reverse biasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a control circuit that continuously monitors the voltage across capacitors and uses this information to control the discharge process. When voltage reaches the first threshold, the control circuit detects this condition and triggers reverse discharge to equalize voltages. This feedback mechanism ensures that capacitors are discharged safely to eliminate residual charge while preventing reverse biasing that would damage capacitor integrity.
3Strength
If capacitors are discharged evenly to prevent reverse biasing, then capacitor integrity is improved, but discharge time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the time penalty of even discharge by using periodic interruption and reversal. Instead of continuously discharging at a slow uniform rate, the system rapidly discharges to the first threshold, then briefly reverses to equalize voltages, then resumes rapid discharge. This periodic action achieves even voltage distribution while minimizing total discharge time compared to continuous slow discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes discharge time through dynamic adjustment of discharge rate. The control circuit enables rapid discharge when voltage is high and maintains uniform distribution through brief reverse discharge intervals. This dynamic switching between high-speed discharge and voltage-equalization modes achieves both capacitor integrity and minimized discharge time, better than static uniform discharge methods.
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 method prevents capacitors from being reverse biased, maintaining capacitor integrity and ensuring effective pacing therapy by evenly distributing voltage across capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of capacitors, and processing circuitry configured to discharge the plurality of capacitors to a discharge voltage level
Implementation Method 2
discharge the plurality of capacitors when coupled in series to respective intermediate threshold voltage levels
Implementation Method 3
charge the one or more capacitors of the plurality of capacitors to respective intermediate common voltage levels when coupled in parallel
Implementation Method 4
partially recharge one or more capacitors of the plurality of capacitors when coupled in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
A processing circuitry is configured to discharge capacitors to a discharge voltage level, such as by repeatedly discharging the capacitors when coupled in series and partially recharging one or more capacitors of the capacitors when coupled in parallel until the voltage across the capacitors coupled in series is approximately equal to the discharge voltage level. To discharge the capacitors, the processing circuitry is configured to discharge the capacitors when coupled in series to respective intermediate threshold voltage levels of a plurality of intermediate threshold voltage levels, and to partially recharge the one or more capacitors, the processing circuitry is configured to, in response to a voltage across the capacitors coupled in series reaching the respective intermediate threshold voltage levels, charge the one or more capacitors to respective intermediate common voltage levels of a plurality of intermediate common voltage levels when coupled in parallel.