Wireless Charging for Dialysis Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dialysis treatment devices, particularly those used in peritoneal dialysis, face challenges with battery life and size due to the need for frequent replacements, which increases costs and limits patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for wirelessly charging medical devices using multiple energy sources such as radiofrequency signals, thermal energy, light energy, and kinetic energy, allowing for non-inductive charging and reducing the need for battery replacements by converting these energies into electrical energy for powering medical device components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coin cell lithium battery is sealed within an implantable device to allow for water ingress protection, then the device achieves reliable operation and water protection, but the battery is drained after a limited period and the entire device must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable battery system that can be recharged through wireless energy transfer during dialysis treatment. Instead of discarding the entire device when the battery is drained, the system recovers energy by capturing radiofrequency energy from the dialysis machine during treatment sessions, thereby extending battery life and reducing replacement frequency while maintaining water ingress protection.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large size batteries are required for longer periods of operational lifetime, then the battery duration is extended, but the size and weight of the device is adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources into a single hybrid power system. The device integrates a compact rechargeable battery with wireless energy harvesting capability that captures radiofrequency energy from the dialysis machine. This merging allows the use of a smaller battery that can be periodically recharged during treatment, achieving extended operational lifetime without increasing device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary energy storage during dialysis treatment by capturing and storing radiofrequency energy from the dialysis machine in the rechargeable battery. This preliminary charging action during treatment sessions ensures the battery is replenished before the next treatment, extending operational lifetime without requiring a larger battery.
3Duration of action of moving object
If large size batteries are required for longer periods of operational lifetime, then the battery duration is extended, but patient mobility and the ability to implant the device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a compact rechargeable battery with wireless energy harvesting capability that captures radiofrequency energy from the dialysis machine. This merging allows the use of a smaller battery that can be periodically recharged during treatment, achieving extended operational lifetime without increasing device size, thereby preserving patient mobility and implantability.
4Volume of moving object
If frequent battery replacements are required, then the device can maintain small size, but the overall cost of using the device per patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable battery system that recovers energy through wireless charging during dialysis treatment. Instead of discarding the device after battery depletion, the system continuously recovers and stores radiofrequency energy from the dialysis machine, extending battery life and reducing replacement frequency. This reduces the overall cost per patient while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-charging by automatically capturing and storing radiofrequency energy from the dialysis machine during treatment sessions without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability extends battery life and reduces replacement frequency, thereby reducing the cost per patient while maintaining small device size.
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 extends the operational lifetime of dialysis treatment devices, reduces their size, and facilitates charging during treatment, ensuring continuous functionality without the need for frequent battery replacements, thus enhancing patient mobility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
converting the radiofrequency signals into electrical energy via a generator of the medical device
Implementation Method 2
receiving energy from distinct energy sources via a thermal receiver may include converting the thermal energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
receiving energy from distinct energy sources via a photovoltaic cell may include converting the light energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
receiving energy from distinct energy sources via a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device may include converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of charging a medical device such as a wetness detector or a hematocrit detector wirelessly includes receiving radiofrequency signals from a remote machine such as a dialysis machine remote from the medical device via a receiver of the medical device. In addition to or instead of radiofrequency signals the method may also utilize other types of energy such as thermal energy, light energy or kinetic energy. The method includes converting the radiofrequency signals into electrical energy via a generator of the medical device. The method includes storing the electrical energy in an energy cell of the medical device. The method also includes powering a power consumption component of the medical device by transmitting the energy from the energy cell to the power consumption component.