Time Interleaving Power and Data in Transcutaneous Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcutaneous communication systems for implantable medical devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting both power and data on a single frequency channel, particularly due to the need for precise timing and the lack of real-time adjustment capabilities to accommodate varying power and data demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a time interleaving scheme where successive frames are divided into multiple time slots, with specific slots allocated to both power and data transmitters, allowing for simultaneous transmission of power and data on a single frequency channel, and enabling dynamic allocation of time slots based on device needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate receiver coils are used for power and data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data reception functions into a single receiver coil, eliminating the need for separate receiver coils. This merging approach reduces device complexity while maintaining transmission reliability through time-division multiplexing that separates power and data reception in different time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver coil is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving both power signals and data signals. By making the receiver universal and capable of handling both types of transmission, the system avoids the complexity of separate dedicated receivers while ensuring reliable communication and power transfer.
2Device complexity
If time slot allocation is fixed, then synchronization complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying power and data demands decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time slot allocation where the number and distribution of time slots for power and data transmission can be adjusted in real-time based on current demands. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying power and data requirements while maintaining manageable synchronization through a structured frame-based framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic frame structures with defined time slots for power and data transmission. This periodic organization provides a regular, predictable pattern that simplifies synchronization while allowing flexibility within each frame to allocate slots dynamically based on current needs.
3Productivity
If multiple frequency channels are used for power and data, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission medium by dividing time into distinct slots within frames, allocating specific time slots for power transmission and others for data transmission on a single frequency channel. This time-division segmentation allows efficient use of the single channel while avoiding the complexity of multiple frequency channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple frequency channels (frequency dimension), the patent transitions to the time dimension by implementing time-division multiplexing. This dimensional shift allows power and data to share the same frequency channel while being separated in time, reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission efficiency.
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 simplifies the implantable component design by using a single receiver coil for both power and data, reduces synchronization complexity, and allows real-time adjustment to power and data demands, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of transcutaneous communication in implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
an external charging module having a power transmitter unit; and a data module having a data transmitter unit wherein the units are configured to establish a transcutaneous communication link over which data and power is transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to an implantable medical device. The medical device comprises an implantable component having a receiver unit; an external charging module having a power transmitter unit; and a data module having a data transmitter unit. The units are configured to establish a transcutaneous communication link over which data and power is transmitted on a single frequency channel via a time interleaving scheme comprising successive frames each divided into at least two time slots, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the data transmitter unit, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the power transmitter unit, and wherein data and power are transmitted by the transmitter units during their allotted time slots.