TETS Coil Alignment Feedback Using Power and Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proper alignment of external and implanted coils in a transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) is critical for efficient energy transfer, but patient movement can cause misalignment, leading to interrupted operation of implanted medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A TETS system with an external controller, transmission coil, receiving coil, and implantable controller, where processing circuitry generates notifications based on power efficiency and temperature thresholds to alert for potential misalignment or operational issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the external transmission coil and implanted receiving coil are kept in fixed alignment, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but patient mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power transfer efficiency and provides real-time feedback to the user through visual or audible alerts when misalignment is detected. This allows patients to maintain mobility while being informed when adjustment is needed to restore optimal energy transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to patient movement by detecting changes in coil alignment and providing guidance for real-time repositioning. Rather than requiring fixed alignment, the system accommodates movement through continuous monitoring and user guidance
2Reliability
If multiple notification thresholds are implemented, then system monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent threshold levels (first, second, and third thresholds) that can be individually configured and activated. This modular approach allows comprehensive monitoring while keeping each threshold evaluation simple and independent
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of power efficiency and temperature is performed, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs monitoring at periodic intervals rather than continuously, checking power transfer efficiency and temperature at defined thresholds. This periodic monitoring approach maintains operational reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
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 provides status information, alerts, and notifications to ensure continuous operation of implanted medical devices by monitoring power efficiency and temperature, thereby minimizing the impact of patient movement on coil alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving coil configured for transcutaneous inductive communication with the transmission coil
Data Source
AI summary
A TETS having an external controller having a power source, a transmission coil in communication with the external controller, a receiving coil configured for transcutaneous inductive communication with the transmission coil, and an implantable controller in communication with the receiving coil and an implantable blood pump. The implantable controller has a battery configured to receive power from the receiving coil and the external controller is configured to categorize power transfer states based on predetermined thresholds of efficiency and power demand, and user display states (associated with optional configurable notifications) based on the power transfer states and predetermined temperature thresholds of the transmission coil.