Transcutaneous Resonant Link for Power-Data Frequency Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical device systems face challenges in efficiently transferring both power and data through a transcutaneous communication link due to competing quality factor requirements, where high quality factor for power transfer results in low bandwidth for data transmission, and vice versa.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing separate time slots for power and data transmission by driving the external resonant circuit at different frequencies, with the external and implantable resonant circuits maintaining a fixed tuned frequency during each set of time periods, allowing for efficient power transfer at a first frequency and data transfer at a second frequency spaced from the first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the external resonant circuit is driven at a single fixed frequency, then power transfer efficiency is maximized, but data transmission bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between power transfer mode and data transfer mode in periodic time slots. During power time slots, the external resonant circuit operates at a first frequency optimized for power transfer. During data time slots, it operates at a second frequency optimized for data transmission. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by dedicating different time periods to each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating frequency parameter of the external resonant circuit based on the transmission mode. A first frequency is used for power transfer to maximize efficiency, while a second frequency is used for data transfer to maximize bandwidth. This parameter change allows optimization for each specific function without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If the external resonant circuit operates at multiple frequencies simultaneously, then both power and data can be transferred, but system complexity increases due to component switching
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simultaneous multi-frequency operation with complex switching components, the system uses periodic time-division multiplexing. The external resonant circuit operates at one frequency at a time, alternating between power and data modes. This eliminates the need for complex switching components while achieving both power and data transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission process is segmented into distinct time slots: power time slots for power transfer and data time slots for data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to use a single fixed-frequency resonant circuit for each mode without requiring complex simultaneous switching mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Power
If the resonant frequency is optimized for power transfer, then power coupling is maximized, but the bandwidth for data transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic alternation between power transfer mode and data transfer mode. During power time slots, the resonant circuit is tuned to a first frequency that maximizes power coupling efficiency. During data time slots, it operates at a second frequency that provides sufficient bandwidth for data transmission. This temporal separation resolves the contradiction by allowing each mode to have its own optimized frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating frequency parameter is changed based on the transmission mode requirement. For power transfer, the frequency is set to maximize power coupling. For data transfer, the frequency is adjusted to provide adequate bandwidth. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve optimal performance for each function without compromise.
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 enables simultaneous high-efficiency power and data transfer with reduced complexity by maintaining fixed resonant frequencies, optimizing power coupling for power transfer and bandwidth for data transfer without component switching.
Implementation Method 1
external resonant circuit comprising an external coil configured to transcutaneously transfer power and data to the implantable resonant circuit
Implementation Method 2
external resonant circuit comprising an external coil configured to transcutaneously transfer power and data to the implantable resonant circuit
Implementation Method 3
external resonant circuit and the implantable resonant circuit each have an associated tuned frequency that remains the same during each of the first and second sets of time periods
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for transcutaneously transferring power and data from an external component to an implantable component of an implantable medical device. In accordance with embodiments presented herein, the implantable component comprises an implantable resonant circuit, while the external component comprises an external resonant circuit. The external component also comprises external radio-frequency (RF) interface circuitry configured to drive the external resonant circuit at a first frequency in order to transfer power to the implantable resonant circuit, and to drive the external resonant circuit at a second frequency, which is different from the first frequency, in order to transfer data to the implantable resonant circuit.