Touchscreen Battery Interface With Infrared Link for VAD Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventricular assist devices (VADs) are cumbersome, prone to infections, and have multiple exposed electrical connections that are susceptible to water and dust, leading to a higher risk of shorting out and requiring complex user interaction, which hinders their adoption among less-sick heart failure patients.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating a detachable external battery with a touch screen display and infrared communication for a system controller, providing power and data connection, and a controlled breakaway mechanism to minimize trauma and infection risk, while allowing multiple input and output options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables and connections are used to couple batteries to the system controller, then power distribution and device functionality are improved, but the risk of skin breakdown, trauma, and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from physical cables by implementing wireless power transfer technology. The system controller and batteries communicate and transfer power wirelessly, eliminating the need for percutaneous cable connections that cause skin trauma and infection risk, while maintaining reliable power distribution to all system components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power and data transmission system. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact points that penetrate the skin, thereby removing the pathway for infection while preserving all necessary power and communication functions through electromagnetic coupling
2Weight of moving object
If the system controller and batteries are made smaller and more portable, then patient mobility and quality of life are improved, but the device may lack sufficient processing power and battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system controller is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines processing, wireless communication, power management, and user interface capabilities in a single compact device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bulky components while maintaining full system functionality, achieving both portability and sufficient processing power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the system controller and power management functions into an integrated wireless system where the controller can communicate with and manage multiple batteries wirelessly. This integration allows the controller to be smaller while the system as a whole maintains adequate power capacity through wireless power pooling from multiple battery units
3Ease of operation
If a large touch screen interface is provided for user interaction, then ease of use and user interface flexibility are improved, but the device size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible display technology that allows the touch screen to expand when needed for user interaction and collapse or retract when not in use. This dimensional transformation enables a large interactive display area during operation while maintaining a compact form factor for portability, as the display can be folded, rolled, or extended only when required
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 enhances portability, reduces infection risk, and improves usability by minimizing external connections, ensuring uninterrupted power, and allowing flexible user interaction through a touch screen interface.
Implementation Method 1
a data connection is established between an external battery and a detachable device... a representation of data sent between the external battery and the detachable device is displayed on a touch screen integrated into the external battery... an infrared data link
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses and methods relating to interfacing and controlling external batteries are described. In one embodiment, an external battery is integrated with a touch screen display. In one embodiment, the external battery provides an infrared communication link with a detachable device or system controller. In one embodiment, the external battery touch screen interface provides data received from a detachable device or system controller.