Modular VAD Battery Chain for Flexible Redundant Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventricular assist devices (VADs) face challenges with power supply flexibility and weight management, as patients require varying battery capacities based on activity levels, but current systems offer limited options for tailoring battery configurations, leading to unnecessary weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy supply system where multiple energy storage devices are mechanically coupled in series and electrically coupled in parallel, providing redundant power sources and allowing for flexible configuration to match patient needs, with interchangeable and identical modules to simplify weight distribution and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-capacity battery pack is used, then the device structure is simple, but the patient cannot tailor battery capacity to match activity levels, leading to unnecessary weight
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple modular energy storage devices that can be independently configured. Each module can be connected in series or parallel to provide different capacity and voltage configurations, allowing patients to tailor power supply to their specific activity needs without carrying excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Patients can change the number and arrangement of battery modules based on their daily activity requirements, transitioning between different power capacity states as needed.
2Reliability
If redundant battery capacity is provided for all activities, then power reliability is ensured, but patient mobility is reduced due to unnecessary weight
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into separate modules, patients can carry only the necessary capacity for their current activity while maintaining the ability to add modules if reliability becomes critical. This provides both reliability and weight efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the power capacity parameters by adding or removing battery modules. Patients can adjust the total energy storage and voltage output to match their specific needs, ensuring adequate power reliability without consistently carrying maximum weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different battery configurations are offered, then patient needs can be met, but device complexity and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
All energy storage modules are designed with identical connectors, interfaces, and physical dimensions. This homogeneous design allows patients to freely interchange modules without confusion about compatibility or installation procedures, simplifying operation while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery module is designed as a universal unit that can function in various positions and configurations within the system. The identical design of all modules allows them to be interchanged in any location, providing versatility in configuration while maintaining ease of operation.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a larger capacity battery is used to ensure adequate power for extended activities, then duration of operation is increased, but weight and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into modular units that can be combined in series to increase voltage and duration. Patients can connect multiple modules end-to-end to extend operation duration for longer activities, while only carrying the necessary number of modules for each specific outing.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration duration is made dynamic rather than fixed. Patients can adjust the number of series-connected modules based on their planned activity duration, allowing them to optimize between weight and operation duration for each specific use case.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods for supplying power to an implantable blood pump are provided. A system includes a base module and a plurality of energy storage devices. A first energy storage device is operatively coupled to the base module. A second energy storage device is operatively coupled to the first modular energy storage device. The energy storage devices are mechanically coupled in series, electrically coupled in parallel, and configured to provide redundant sources of power to drive an implantable blood pump.