Variable Resonator Wireless Power for Medical Implants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer technologies face inefficiencies in transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, with radiative methods losing power in all directions and traditional induction methods requiring precise alignment and short distances.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate power transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields, allowing for efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances and varied orientations, utilizing high-Q resonators and sub-wavelength resonators with overlapping near-fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but efficiency deteriorates because power is radiated away in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from radiative far-field to non-radiative near-field regime, utilizing resonant coupling at specific frequencies to achieve efficient power transfer over mid-range distances without the omnidirectional radiation losses that plague traditional wireless power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resonant electromagnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism between transmitter and receiver coils. These resonant fields act as a mediator that enables efficient energy transfer over distances much greater than traditional induction, while maintaining directional coupling and avoiding the energy waste of omnidirectional radiation
2Measurement precision
If traditional induction is used, then alignment precision can be relaxed, but transmission distance is limited to very short ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable resonant frequencies and coupling coefficients that adapt to varying distances and alignment conditions. By tuning the resonant parameters in real-time, the system maintains efficient power transfer across a wide range of distances and orientations, effectively decoupling performance from precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters including resonant frequency, coupling strength, and impedance matching to optimize power transfer at each distance and alignment condition. This parametric adaptation enables the system to operate efficiently from millimeter to meter scales without requiring precise alignment
3Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to improve efficiency, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to tracking and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking and steering systems with a stationary resonant coupling system. By using resonant electromagnetic fields that naturally confine energy between transmitter and receiver, the system achieves high efficiency without requiring mechanical movement, directional beam steering, or continuous tracking mechanisms
4Length of stationary object
If radiative energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but safety hazards increase for objects or people in the beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful omnidirectional radiation into beneficial confined resonant fields. By operating in the non-radiative near-field regime with resonant coupling, the system confines electromagnetic energy between transmitter and receiver, transforming what would be hazardous radiation into localized, controllable energy transfer that is safe for objects and people in the vicinity
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
Enables efficient wireless energy transfer over distances of centimeters to meters with high efficiency and tolerance to alignment offsets, suitable for powering various electronic devices, and can handle power levels from picowatts to kilowatts, improving upon traditional induction schemes.
Implementation Method 1
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate power transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields
Implementation Method 2
transfer power from a power supply to a power drain through magnetic or electric near-fields
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device-powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power an implantable medical device using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed within the medical device and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator, the area circumscribed by the inductive element of at least one of the electromagnetic resonators can be varied to improve performance.