Ultrasonic Phased Array Transceiver for Implant Data and Power Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical implants lack accurate, non-invasive means for measuring in vivo forces and pressures, and reliable transcutaneous communication methods for bidirectional data and power transmission between implants and external devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of ultrasonic communication systems using an implant with an ultrasonic transducer and an external transceiver array, enabling bidirectional data and power transmission through ultrasound signals, with phased arrays for focused signal steering and reception optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional medical implants are used without transcutaneous communication, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to measure in vivo conditions and transmit data non-invasively is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement of in vivo forces and pressuresVSAvoidimplant structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external transceiver as an intermediary device that communicates with the implant through ultrasonic signals transmitted through the skin. This external device performs the complex measurement and communication functions, allowing the implant itself to remain relatively simple while still achieving precise in vivo condition monitoring through the mediator system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional wireless communication methods (which would require antennas and electromagnetic transmission) with an ultrasonic mechanical wave-based communication system. This allows data transmission through the body tissues and skin without requiring complex wireless communication hardware in the implant, thus reducing implant complexity while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If no transcutaneous communication method is used, then the implant is simple, but bidirectional communication of power and data between implant and external devices is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting ultrasonic signals for communication, receiving data from the implant, and potentially providing wireless power transfer. This multi-functional external device achieves bidirectional communication capability without requiring complex systems within the implant itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing complex communication and power reception systems within the implant, the patent inverts the approach by placing the complex ultrasonic transmission and communication control systems in an external device. The implant contains only simple ultrasonic transducers that can transmit and receive signals, reversing where the complexity resides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If ultrasonic communication is implemented, then data transmission reliability improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic communication system operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The external transceiver transmits ultrasonic signals at specific intervals to establish communication and transfer data, allowing the implant to remain in a low-power state between communication events. This periodic operation maintains reliable data transmission while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed so that the external transceiver provides the majority of the energy for ultrasonic signal generation. The implant contains only passive or low-power ultrasonic transducers that respond to external signals rather than generating high-power signals themselves, effectively having the external device serve the energy needs of the communication system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides reliable, non-invasive measurement and communication capabilities, allowing for efficient power consumption and high data reliability in medical implants, even through aqueous tissues and metal mediums, with the potential to eliminate internal power storage needs.

Implementation Method 1

an implant having an ultrasonic transducer configured to send and receive ultrasonic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

configured to send and receive ultrasonic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20220021467A1Ultrasonic Communication Phased Array

Publication Date: 2022.01.20 NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an external transceiver configured for ultrasonic communication with a medical implant, the external transceiver including an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to be placed adjacent to a patient's skin and each ultrasonic transducer of the array of ultrasonic transducers configured to send and receive an ultrasonic signal.