Transcutaneous Energy Transfer System for Implantable Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems fail to supply power in accordance with the time-varying power requirements of implanted devices, leading to premature battery wear due to frequent charging and discharging, especially in devices like circulatory assist pumps with fluctuating power demands.
Innovation Solution
A TET system with an implantable power unit and an external power supply that uses a monitoring circuit to transmit telemetry signals for adjusting power transmission based on the cardiac cycle, allowing for efficient power delivery to implanted devices and minimizing battery usage during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the implanted battery is used to supply power during activities that preclude wearing the external TET power unit, then the device can operate independently, but the battery capacity decreases due to frequent charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The TET system dynamically adjusts power transmission based on the patient's activity level and power requirements. The system transitions between battery-powered and TET-powered modes seamlessly, optimizing the use of both power sources to extend battery lifetime while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the power transmission level and frequency based on real-time monitoring of battery charge level, power consumption rate, and patient activity. This allows optimization of battery usage patterns to reduce degradation while ensuring adequate power supply.
2Power
If the TET system recharges the battery frequently to meet momentary high power demands, then the power demand is satisfied, but the battery wears out prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery charge level, power consumption patterns, and TET transmission efficiency. Based on this feedback, the control algorithm optimizes the charging strategy to meet power demands while minimizing battery cycling and extending battery lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging during periods of low power demand to prepare the battery for upcoming high-power intervals, reducing the need for frequent rapid charging cycles that accelerate battery degradation.
3Reliability
If the external TET power unit is worn continuously to avoid battery replacement, then power supply is maintained, but the patient loses independence during activities like showering or swimming
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts its power transmission parameters based on the patient's activity context. During water-based activities, the system switches to battery power mode, and during other activities, it utilizes TET power, providing both continuous power supply and patient independence through intelligent mode switching.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the TET system supplies power in accordance with time-varying power requirements, then battery lifetime is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously, automatically monitoring battery status, calculating optimal charging strategies, and controlling power flow without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability extends battery lifetime while keeping the user interface simple.
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
The system effectively matches power delivery to the varying demands of implanted devices, extending battery life by reducing reliance on the implanted battery during normal operation and ensuring continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic field generated by a transmitting coil outside the body can transmit power across a cutaneous (skin) barrier to a magnetic receiving coil implanted within the body
Implementation Method 2
The receiving coil can then transfer the received power to the implanted heart pump or other internal device
Data Source
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AI summary
A TET system is provided which is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. In such way, the amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.