Sleep Apnea Implant Powering Using Midfield Wireless Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless powering methods for implantable electronics face challenges such as bulkiness, inflexibility, and limited energy transfer efficiency due to nearfield and farfield coupling, which hinder miniaturization and patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
Implementing midfield powering technology that uses an external power source near the skin to wirelessly transmit power and data to implantable devices, eliminating the need for large batteries and leads, and enabling smaller, more comfortable implants with efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If nearfield coupling is used for wireless powering, then power can be transmitted to implantable devices, but the power harvesting structure becomes large (centimeter scale or larger) and external coils become bulky and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from nearfield coupling to farfield coupling, changing the electromagnetic field interaction parameters. This allows the use of smaller antenna structures while maintaining power transmission capability, as farfield coupling enables efficient energy transfer over larger distances with reduced structural requirements compared to nearfield inductive coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical constraint of large coil structures with electromagnetic wave propagation in the farfield regime. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky inductive coupling coils and enables miniaturization of the power harvesting structure through antenna design optimized for farfield reception
2Power
If nearfield coupling is used for wireless powering, then power can be transmitted to implantable devices, but external coils become bulky and inflexible, presenting difficulties for patient daily life
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from nearfield to farfield coupling parameters, the external device can use compact antenna designs that are flexible and portable. The farfield approach allows the external transmitter to be smaller and more adaptable to patient lifestyle, eliminating the bulkiness associated with nearfield inductive coils
Solution Approach 2:
The farfield coupling system provides greater dynamic flexibility in terms of positioning and orientation between the external transmitter and implantable device. The electromagnetic waves can propagate through tissue with less sensitivity to precise alignment, enabling more natural patient movement and device placement flexibility
3Power
If nearfield coupling is used for wireless powering, then power can be transmitted to implantable devices, but the intrinsic exponential decay of nearfield signals limits miniaturization beyond superficial depths (greater than 1 cm)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic coupling regime from nearfield to farfield, fundamentally altering the signal propagation characteristics. Farfield coupling reduces exponential signal decay and enables effective power transmission to implants at greater depths (greater than 1 cm) while maintaining the ability to miniaturize the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves in the farfield regime as an intermediary for power transmission, replacing the direct nearfield inductive coupling. This intermediary approach allows energy to propagate through deeper tissue layers with reduced attenuation, enabling both miniaturization and deeper implant placement
4Volume of moving object
If farfield signals are used for wireless powering, then miniaturization of implantable devices is enabled, but the radiative nature of farfield signals can limit energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes farfield signal parameters including frequency selection, antenna impedance matching, and beam forming to maximize energy transfer efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves efficient wireless power transmission despite the radiative nature of farfield signals, overcoming the inherent energy loss through precise electromagnetic field management
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
Midfield powering technology allows for smaller, more comfortable implants with lower manufacturing and implantation costs, and efficient power and data communication, achieving two to three orders of magnitude higher efficiency than nearfield systems.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless midfield powering technology can be used to provide power from an external power source to an implanted electrostimulation device
Data Source
AI summary
Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided.