TETS Search Pulse Rate Control for Battery-Efficient Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical device systems, such as LVADs, face inefficiencies in power transmission due to constant high rates of search pulse transmission, which drain the external power transmitter's battery and are not effectively adjusted based on usage conditions.
Innovation Solution
The external power transmitter includes processing circuitry to detect conditions such as handling by a patient, time since last power transfer, and electromagnetic interference, allowing it to adjust the rate of search pulse transmission dynamically, reducing the rate when inactive or encountering interference and increasing when active or connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external power transmitter continuously transmits search pulses at a high rate to ensure reliable power transfer, then the reliability of power transfer is improved, but the battery life of the external power transmitter deteriorates due to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of search pulse transmission rate based on real-time detection of coupling conditions. When good coupling is detected, the system increases search pulse rate to ensure reliable power transfer. When coupling is poor or no implantable device is detected, the system decreases the rate to conserve battery power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter (search pulse rate) based on detected conditions. The processing circuitry monitors coupling quality and adjusts the search pulse frequency accordingly - using higher rates when coupling is good and lower rates when coupling is poor. This parameter adjustment strategy allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during poor coupling conditions.
2Speed
If the external power transmitter uses a high rate of search pulse transmission to quickly establish power transfer, then the speed of power transfer initiation is improved, but the battery life deteriorates due to continuous high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic search pulse transmission with variable intervals. Instead of continuous high-rate transmission, the system uses periodic bursts of search pulses at adjusted rates based on coupling conditions. This periodic approach maintains the ability to quickly establish power transfer when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the search pulse rate based on real-time coupling detection. When an implantable device is detected and coupling is good, the system increases the search pulse rate to quickly establish power transfer. When no device is detected or coupling is poor, the system reduces the rate to conserve battery power, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the external power transmitter transmits search pulses at a constant high rate to ensure continuous monitoring, then the reliability of device detection is improved, but the power consumption increases unnecessarily during inactive periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the search pulse transmission parameter based on operational state. During active periods when an implantable device is detected and coupling is established, the system uses higher search pulse rates for reliable monitoring. During inactive periods when no device is detected or power transfer is not needed, the system reduces or suspends search pulse transmission to eliminate unnecessary power waste while maintaining the ability to detect devices when needed.
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 approach conserves battery life by reducing unnecessary power consumption during inactive periods and ensuring reliable power transfer when needed, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the implantable medical device system.
Implementation Method 1
The coils 18 and 20 transfer power via electromagnetic energy over the air and through the body
Data Source
AI summary
In an implanted medical device system, an external power transmitter and methods for adjusting a rate of search pulse transmission by an external power transmitter of an implanted medical device system are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes detecting a condition of the external power transmitter, and selecting among rates of transmission of search pulses based on the detected condition.