Tethered Implantable Device Power Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices often face challenges with energy depletion before the end of their useful life due to non-rechargeable energy storage systems, necessitating a solution for extended functionality and efficient power replenishment and communication.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device with a tethered power and communication interface system, featuring a rechargeable power source and an elongated conductive tether that mechanically and electrically connects to a remote interface system, allowing for transcutaneous inductive power transfer and wireless communication, enabling spaced-apart implantation locations within a patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-rechargeable energy storage system is used in an implantable medical device, then the device can be implanted with a simple power system, but the energy storage system will be depleted before the end of the useful life of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable medical device is divided into two separate implantable components: a main device housing containing the energy storage system and electronics, and a separate interface system containing the power and communication interface. This segmentation allows the energy storage system to remain simple and non-rechargeable while the separate interface system can be recharged externally, thereby extending the overall device operational life without increasing the complexity of the implanted energy storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
A tethered connection serves as an intermediary between the main device housing and the separate interface system. This tether allows mechanical coupling and electrical connection between the two spaced-apart implant locations, enabling power and data transmission while maintaining the separation that allows for external recharging of the interface system without affecting the main device.
2Device complexity
If the housing and interface system are implanted at the same location, then the device structure is simplified, but the charging and communication capabilities are compromised due to interference with therapy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two spatially separated components: the housing implanted at a first location optimized for therapy delivery, and the interface system implanted at a second location optimized for charging and communication. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between structural simplicity and functional reliability by allowing each component to be positioned in the most appropriate anatomical location.
Solution Approach 2:
The power and communication interface system is extracted from the main device housing and implanted as a separate component at a different location. This extraction allows the interface system to be positioned where it will not interfere with therapy delivery while maintaining its essential functions, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a tethered connection is used to connect housing and interface system at spaced-apart locations, then optimal implantation locations can be selected for therapy delivery and charging, but the device complexity increases due to the additional tether and lead components
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible tether with integrated conductive lead serves as an intermediary connection between the housing and interface system. This tether is designed to be sufficiently compliant to accommodate the spatial separation and movement between two implant locations while maintaining electrical connectivity. The tether's design balances the need for mechanical flexibility with electrical conductivity, providing a practical solution that enables location flexibility without excessive complexity.
4Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer is implemented for the implantable device, then the charging process becomes non-invasive and more convenient, but the power transfer efficiency may be reduced compared to direct contact charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wireless inductive power transfer to replace mechanical contact-based charging methods. The interface system contains a coil that can receive power wirelessly through inductive coupling with an external charging device. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors and penetration of the skin, providing non-invasive and more convenient charging, while accepting that some energy loss occurs during wireless transmission.
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 extends the life of implantable medical devices by enabling efficient wireless power transfer and communication, allowing for effective therapy delivery and monitoring without compromising on therapy, charging, or comfort, as the device can be implanted in optimal locations without compromising on therapy, charging, or communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an interface system configured to receive at least one of power signals wireless electrical communication signals... the remote charger is operably coupleable to the interface system to provide the transcutaneous inductive power transfer
Implementation Method 2
an antenna configured to receive the wireless electrical communication signals
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device is disclosed. The implantable medical device includes a housing forming an internal compartment. Electronic components are disposed within the internal compartment. An interface system receives power signals, wireless electrical communication signals, or both. An elongated tether having a conductive lead mechanically couples the housing to the interface system and allows the housing and interface system to be implanted at spaced-apart locations within the patient. The conductive lead electrically couples the interface system to the electronic components.