Single Coil Inductive Telemetry and Recharge for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in incorporating both telemetry and recharge functions due to the size constraints imposed by separate coils for different frequencies, which limits their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single coil that uses a tank circuit tuned to a recharge frequency to facilitate both telemetry and recharge operations, allowing for the exchange of telemetry signals at a frequency different from the recharge frequency, thereby eliminating the need for separate coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate coils are used for telemetry and recharge applications, then both functions can be adequately established, but the device size increases and miniaturization is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate coils (telemetry coil and recharge coil) into a single shared coil that performs both functions. The coil is designed with a structure that allows it to operate at both telemetry frequency (e.g., 175 kHz) and recharge frequency (e.g., 100 kHz), eliminating the need for separate coils and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared coil is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a telemetry coil and a recharge coil. The coil structure incorporates features that enable it to be tuned to different frequencies for different applications, making it a universal component that replaces multiple dedicated components.
2Volume of moving object
If a single coil is used for both telemetry and recharge, then device size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to support different frequencies for telemetry and recharge operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frequency tuning mechanism that allows the shared coil to be adjusted between telemetry frequency and recharge frequency. Switching circuitry and variable capacitors enable the coil's resonant frequency to be changed based on the operational mode, making the system adaptable despite using a single coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the shared coil through switching different capacitor values into the circuit. By adjusting the capacitance in the resonant circuit, the coil's operating frequency can be shifted between telemetry and recharge frequencies, enabling a single coil to support multiple frequency requirements.
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
Enables the integration of both telemetry and recharge functions in a single coil, reducing device size and enhancing the operational efficiency of miniaturized IMDs by allowing simultaneous or sequential use of telemetry and recharge capabilities without increasing the device's physical dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive downlink is obtained by a coil within the IMD that is tuned to a telemetry frequency, e.g., 175 kilohertz, being emitted by a coil within the external device. Likewise, the inductive uplink is provided by a coil within the IMD that is tuned to emit signals at a telemetry frequency of the coil of the external device.
Implementation Method 2
The inductive downlink is obtained by a coil within the IMD that is tuned to a telemetry frequency, e.g., 175 kilohertz, being emitted by a coil within the external device. Likewise, the inductive uplink is provided by a coil within the IMD that is tuned to emit signals at a telemetry frequency of the coil of the external device.
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable devices and related systems utilize a single coil for both inductive telemetry at one telemetry signal frequency and recharge at another recharge energy frequency. The coil is included in a tank circuit that may have a variable reactance. During telemetry, particularly outside of a recharge period, the reactance may be set so that the tank circuit is tuned to the telemetry frequency. During recharge, the reactance is set so that the tank circuit is tuned to the recharge frequency. Furthermore, the tank circuit may have a Q that is sufficiently small that the tank circuit receives telemetry frequency signals that can be decoded by a receiver while the tank is tuned to the recharge frequency so that telemetry for recharge status purposes may be done during the recharge period without changing the tuning of the tank circuit.