Multi-element Ultrasonic Array for Implantable Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for acoustically charging implantable medical devices are inefficient due to indirect and lossy energy transmission through the body, necessitating an improved system for delivering acoustic energy.
Innovation Solution
A multi-element acoustic energy delivery system comprising a power source, controller, and ultrasonic elements that selectively control the delivery of acoustic energy through the body to an implantable medical device, using a controller to optimize energy transfer by adjusting excitation parameters and utilizing time reversal techniques to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If acoustic energy is transmitted through the body to recharge implantable medical devices, then the power source can be recharged wirelessly, but energy transfer efficiency is low due to propagation losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring specific ultrasonic elements within the array to be active while others are inactive, creating localized high-intensity acoustic beams precisely at the implant site rather than uniform distribution. This concentrates energy where needed, improving transfer efficiency while reducing overall energy loss through the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which ultrasonic elements are active based on real-time feedback from the implantable device and controller processing. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes energy delivery pathways, adapting to changes in tissue properties, device position, or energy requirements to maintain high transfer efficiency and minimize losses.
2Measurement precision
If a multi-element ultrasonic array is used to deliver acoustic energy, then energy delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic array is segmented into multiple independent elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows precise spatial and temporal control of acoustic energy delivery to different regions, improving energy delivery precision while enabling modular design that manages complexity through standardized component repetition.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes feedback signals from the implantable device, determines optimal activation patterns for ultrasonic elements, and adjusts energy delivery parameters in real-time. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing device complexity while maintaining high precision energy delivery.
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 significantly increases energy transfer efficiency by determining the most effective ultrasonic elements and configurations for energy delivery, reducing propagation losses and improving charging efficiency for implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic energy delivery device includes a power source, a controller, and a multi-element array of ultrasonic elements configured to deliver acoustic energy through the body to the IMD
Implementation Method 2
the IMD includes an energizable power source and an acoustic transducer to receive acoustic energy delivered by the energy delivery device
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic energy delivery system for delivering acoustic energy to an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The system includes an IMD having a power source and an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device includes a controller and an array of ultrasonic elements electrically coupled to the controller and configured to deliver acoustic energy to the IMD. Methods of delivering acoustic energy to an IMD are also disclosed.