Single Coil for Implantable Medical Device Power and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices often require separate coils for receiving power and communication signals, which can lead to increased complexity, space requirements, and potential damage to communication circuitry due to high voltage power signals.
Innovation Solution
A single coil is used for both power and communication signals, with a switch and intermediate tap to manage inductance and loading, allowing the same coil to operate in both charge and communication modes without damaging the communication circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate coils are used for power and communication signals, then communication circuitry is protected from high voltage power signals, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power receiving coil and communication signal receiving coil into a single coil structure. The coil is configured to receive both power signals and communication signals simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate coils and reducing device complexity while maintaining protection of communication circuitry through proper circuit design
Solution Approach 2:
The single coil is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving power signals from external devices and receiving communication signals from programmers. This multi-functional coil reduces the overall number of components needed in the implantable medical device while maintaining both power transfer and communication capabilities
2Reliability
If separate coils are used for power and communication signals, then signal interference is reduced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power coil and communication coil into a single coil structure, significantly reducing the device volume. The unified coil design eliminates the space required for separate coils while maintaining signal quality through proper circuit isolation and switching mechanisms that prevent interference between power and communication signals
3Device complexity
If a single coil is used for both power and communication signals, then device complexity is reduced, but communication circuitry may be damaged by high voltage power signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the coil to be selectively connected to either power receiving circuitry or communication receiving circuitry based on the operational mode. During power transfer, the coil is connected to power circuitry; during communication, it is connected to communication circuitry. This dynamic switching prevents high voltage power signals from damaging communication circuitry while maintaining a single coil structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching circuitry and isolation components as intermediaries between the single coil and the communication circuitry. These intermediary elements protect the communication circuitry from high voltage power signals by controlling the connection state and providing electrical isolation when needed, allowing the single coil to safely serve both power and communication functions
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 reduces the need for dual coils, saves space, and prevents signal attenuation during communication mode, while ensuring the communication circuitry is protected from high voltage power signals.
Implementation Method 1
coils that enable power to be wirelessly transferred, through a patient's skin, from the non-implanted device to the implantable device
Implementation Method 2
coils that enable communication signals to be wirelessly transferred therebetween through a patient's skin
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable medical devices (IMDs), and methods for use therewith, use a same coil for receiving communication and power signals. An IMD, which is configured to operate in a charge or power mode and in a communication mode, includes a coil, power circuitry and communication circuitry. The coil includes first and second terminals and an intermediate tap therebetween. The power circuitry is coupled, during the charge or power mode, to a first portion of the coil extending between the first and second terminals of the coil. The communication circuitry is coupled to a second portion of the coil extending between the first terminal and the intermediate tap of the coil. A third portion of the coil, extending between the intermediate tap and the second terminal of the coil, is decoupled from the power circuitry during the communication mode, which prevents current from flowing through the third portion of the coil.