Wireless Energy Transmission for Medical Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical implant devices require frequent energy replenishment and invasive methods for powering and controlling, which can be inconvenient and risky, especially for devices like infusion pumps that need adjustments based on patient data.
Innovation Solution
A medical implant apparatus that enables non-invasive wireless energy transmission using an energy transforming means, such as a p-n junction element, to convert external energy into a form usable by the implantable device, allowing for efficient and reliable operation without the need for frequent recharging or external powering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implanted power sources such as batteries are used to power medical devices, then the devices can operate independently, but the devices require frequent battery replacements and invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement system with a wireless electromagnetic energy transmission system. An external transmitter sends electromagnetic energy through the skin to an implanted receiver that converts it to electrical energy, eliminating the need for invasive battery replacements while ensuring continuous device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic energy as an intermediary between the external power source and the implanted device. The energy is transmitted through the skin (intermediary medium) to the implanted receiver, providing a non-invasive pathway for energy delivery that maintains device reliability without requiring surgical intervention
2Ease of operation
If external energy transmission is used to power implanted devices, then battery replacement is eliminated, but energy transmission efficiency through the body must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic field coupling where the external transmitter creates an electromagnetic field that is 'copied' or induced in the implanted receiver coil. This inductive coupling efficiently transfers energy through the body tissue with minimal loss, maintaining high transmission efficiency while enabling non-invasive power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes energy transmission by adjusting electromagnetic parameters such as frequency, coil geometry, and coupling distance. By changing these parameters, the system maximizes energy transfer efficiency through the body while maintaining non-invasive operation, addressing the trade-off between ease of operation and energy loss
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 apparatus provides extended and reliable functionality for implanted medical devices, enabling remote control and adjustment of device functions, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient convenience by eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements or fluid management issues.
Implementation Method 1
an energy transforming means for transforming the energy of the first form wirelessly transmitted by the energy transmission means into energy of the second form
Implementation Method 2
the energy transforming means comprises at least one element having a positive region and a negative region and adapted to create an energy field between the positive and negative regions when exposed to the energy of the first form transmitted by the energy transmission means
Data Source
AI summary
A medical implant apparatus includes or uses an energy transmission device for wireless transmission of energy of a first form from outside a patient's body. An implanted medical device is operable in response to energy of a second form different than the energy of the first form. An implanted energy transforming device transforms energy of the first form wirelessly transmitted by the energy transmission device into energy of the second form for use in the control and operation of the medical device.