Transcutaneous Energy Transfer Control for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transcutaneously transferring energy to implantable medical devices (IMDs) do not effectively manage heat dissipation in the presence of conductive objects, leading to potential discomfort and reduced power availability for the IMDs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a primary coil to transfer energy to an IMD while controlling the energy transfer based on estimated heat dissipation in conductive objects, using techniques such as determining power absorption by conductive objects, varying frequency to assess loading profiles, and adjusting power levels to maintain safe heating thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transcutaneous energy transfer is performed in the presence of conductive objects, then power availability for the IMD is improved, but heat dissipation and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of conductive objects in the recharge zone before initiating full energy transfer. By identifying the presence and characteristics of conductive objects in advance, the system can pre-adjust energy transfer parameters to minimize heat generation while maintaining effective charging, thus resolving the contradiction between power availability and heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes energy transfer parameters (frequency, power level, pulse duration) based on the detected presence and characteristics of conductive objects. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes the balance between delivering sufficient power to the IMD and minimizing heat generation in conductive objects, thereby resolving the technical contradiction
2Productivity
If energy transfer power is increased to maintain charging efficiency, then recharge speed is improved, but heat generation in conductive objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic energy transfer pulses with variable duty cycles instead of continuous high-power delivery. By delivering energy in controlled periodic bursts and incorporating pause intervals, the system maintains effective recharge speed while allowing heat dissipation during off-periods, thus resolving the contradiction between recharge speed and heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy transfer power levels during the charging process based on real-time feedback about temperature and conductive object characteristics. Power is increased when conditions permit faster charging and reduced when heat generation approaches thresholds, creating a dynamic balance that resolves the contradiction between recharge speed and heat generation
3Reliability
If the presence of conductive objects is detected and energy transfer is controlled, then patient safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection and characterization of conductive objects without requiring external intervention or complex user setup. The detection algorithms and safety controls operate autonomously, with the system self-adjusting parameters based on detected conditions, thus improving safety while minimizing the complexity burden on users
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing primary and secondary coils for multiple functions: wireless power transfer, conductive object detection, and temperature monitoring. By making these components multi-functional, the system improves safety through comprehensive monitoring without adding significant external complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple purposes
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 ensures efficient energy transfer to IMDs while minimizing heat-related discomfort and maintaining optimal power delivery by accounting for conductive objects' presence and characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
power can be transferred by inductively coupling an external primary coil that is positioned on or near the skin of a patient with a secondary coil that is coupled to, or included within, an implantable medical device. Current induced in the secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
A conductive object may comprise one or more bone screws or plates, artificial body parts such as artificial hips, shoulders, and the like, surgical staples or other objects... which may be electrically conductive in the presence of an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for controlling the transcutaneously transfer of energy to an implantable medical device (IMD) that is in proximity to a conductive object that conducts current in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Various techniques are disclosed for estimating or determining the levels of heat dissipation associated with the object during the transfer of energy. If too much heat is being dissipated, the transfer of energy may be adjusted so that heating remains below acceptable levels.