Multi-cell Power Source Isolation for SICD Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (SICDs) face challenges in generating sufficient energy for therapy due to the placement of leads and electrodes outside the heart, requiring a balance between fast charging time and device size, and existing circuitry is inefficient for instantaneous energy demand during high-voltage therapies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-cell power source connected to a transformer and power conversion circuitry to charge high voltage capacitors, with electrical isolation to prevent cross-charging between cells, allowing for efficient energy storage and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a larger battery is used to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into multiple battery cells (first power source cell and second power source cell) that can be independently managed. Each cell has its own isolation circuitry, allowing the system to segment the energy storage function and charge/discharge cells independently to optimize charging time without requiring a single large battery that would increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Power source isolation circuits are introduced as intermediary components between the battery cells and the rest of the device circuitry. These isolation circuits enable controlled energy transfer and prevent direct cross-charging between cells, allowing efficient charging of individual cells without requiring the entire battery pack to be oversized, thus reducing overall device volume while maintaining fast charging capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple battery cells are used to increase energy capacity, then energy storage is improved, but cross-charging between cells occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Power source isolation circuits serve as intermediary components positioned between each battery cell and the device circuitry. These isolation circuits include isolation switches and isolation capacitors that prevent direct electrical coupling between cells, thereby eliminating cross-charging interference while still allowing each cell to contribute to the overall energy capacity of the power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source is segmented into electrically isolated compartments, with each battery cell having its own dedicated isolation circuit. This segmentation ensures that each cell operates independently without interfering with others, allowing the system to accumulate energy from multiple cells (improving total energy capacity) while preventing harmful cross-charging interactions between the cells.
3Device complexity
If existing power source circuitry is used for high-voltage therapy, then device complexity is reduced, but energy delivery efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into distinct functional modules: power source isolation circuits for energy storage, a high-voltage transformer for voltage conversion, and therapy delivery circuits for energy output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall energy delivery efficiency while keeping the complexity of individual modules manageable through modular design.
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 the SICD to provide effective high-voltage therapy while maintaining a compact size, ensuring efficient energy storage and delivery, thus addressing the limitations of existing SICD systems.
Implementation Method 1
connected to a transformer and power conversion circuitry to charge one or more relatively small, but powerful, high voltage capacitors
Implementation Method 2
charge one or more relatively small, but powerful, high voltage capacitors to provide a relatively high discharge voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable medical device systems of the present disclosure may include a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (SICD) that is powered by a multi-cell power source that is connected to a transformer and power conversion circuitry to charge one or more relatively small, but powerful, high voltage capacitors to provide a relatively high discharge voltage. The SICD includes electrical isolation for the multi-cell power source to protect against cross-charging between the cells during the operational lifetime of the SICD.