Thermoelectric Charging System for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges with battery replacement due to surgical procedures, associated risks, and low to moderate power output, necessitating a non-invasive and efficient battery charging method.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric charging system that converts external energy fields (magnetic, microwave, ultrasound, or X-ray energy) into heat using a field-sensitive component, which is then converted into electric potential by a thermoelectric module to charge the battery wirelessly, eliminating the need for direct access or surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical procedures are used to replace batteries in IMDs, then battery replacement can be performed, but it entails associated risks, costs, and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention with a magnetic field-based wireless energy transmission system. The implantable device receives electromagnetic energy from an external source through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for surgical battery replacement while providing continuous power supply to the medical device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the external power source and the implantable device. This magnetic coupling acts as a non-invasive mediator that enables power transmission through tissue without direct physical contact or surgical intervention
2Power
If conventional power supply methods are used in IMDs, then devices can operate, but they achieve only low to moderate power output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic power supply system where the implantable device can adjust its power reception based on operational needs. The magnetic coupling allows for variable power transmission levels, enabling the device to scale power intake from low to high levels depending on the specific medical application requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power supply platform that can serve multiple IMD applications with different power requirements. The same magnetic wireless power transmission system can be adapted for pacemakers, neurostimulators, drug pumps, and other implantable devices, providing scalable power output across diverse medical applications
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
Enables safe, efficient, and frequent battery recharging of IMDs without anesthesia or surgery, reducing risks and costs, and providing a high energy load by generating significant thermal gradients for electricity production via the Seebeck effect.
Implementation Method 1
a field-sensitive component configured and/or adapted for transducing a field of one or more of magnetic energy, microwave energy, ultrasound energy, or X-ray energy into heat
Implementation Method 2
a thermo-electric module arranged and connected to interface with the field-sensitive component for generating electric potential from heat transduced by the field-sensitive component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an implantable medical device (10), such as a neural implant, a neural stimulator, a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a glucometer or a drug pump. The device (10) includes a battery (B) providing a supply of electric power for operation of the device, and a system (1) for thermoelectric charging or re-charging of the battery (B). The system (1) includes a field-sensitive component (2) configured and/or adapted for transducing a field of magnetic energy, microwave energy, ultrasound energy, and/or X-ray energy into heat; and a thermoelectric module (4) arranged and/or connected to interface with the field-sensitive component (2) for generating an electric potential from the heat transduced by the field-sensitive component (2). The thermoelectric module (4) is arranged in electrical connection with the battery (B) for applying the electric potential to the battery (B).