Wireless Power Transfer for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable devices, such as cardiac pacemakers and deep brain stimulation devices, face challenges in obtaining a reliable and non-invasive power supply and data communication link, with existing solutions being cumbersome and prone to infection due to the need for external energy transmitters and wire connections.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus featuring energy interface elements, an energy conversion circuit, and a battery source that converts energy for transmission via volume conduction or RF, allowing for the charging of implanted devices without invasive procedures, using electrodes or coils for energy transfer and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wire connections across the skin are utilized to deliver power to implantable devices, then power supply is achieved, but the design becomes highly invasive and prone to infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with a wireless electromagnetic energy transmission system. The external energy transmitter uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power through the skin without physical penetration, eliminating the mechanical connection that causes infection. The implantable receiver captures this electromagnetic energy and converts it to electrical power for the medical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the external transmitter and the implantable receiver. This intermediary allows power delivery without direct physical contact or penetration of the skin barrier, thus avoiding the harmful effects of wire connections while maintaining energy transfer functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external energy transmitters are carried or worn by the patient to power implantable devices, then power supply is provided, but the device becomes cumbersome and inconvenient in daily life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky power supply components from the implantable device and places them in a separate external transmitter unit. This allows the implantable device to be miniaturized and made more comfortable for the patient, while the external transmitter handles the energy storage and conversion functions. The separation enables the implant to be worn discreetly without the burden of large batteries or power management electronics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If non-rechargeable batteries are used in implantable devices, then power supply is provided, but the batteries cannot be replaced easily without surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two separate segments: an external rechargeable transmitter and an internal implantable receiver with a rechargeable battery. The external unit can be recharged conveniently without surgery, and it wirelessly transfers energy to recharge the implantable battery. This segmentation allows the power supply to be maintained and recharged externally, eliminating the need for surgical battery replacement while ensuring continuous power availability for the implantable device.
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 solution provides a convenient, low-cost, and non-invasive means to power and communicate with implantable devices, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimizing the risk of infection, while allowing for efficient energy transfer and data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
The energy conversion circuit is structured to receive first energy from the first energy source and convert the first energy into second energy which is provided to the one or more first energy interface elements. The one or more first energy interface elements transmit the second energy within the body of the patient
Implementation Method 2
The AC current may be transmitted within the body of the patient via electrodes through volume conduction through ionic fluid present in the body of the patient
Implementation Method 3
the one or more first energy interface elements include a first coil and the one or more second energy interface elements include a second coil, and the second energy is RF energy. The second energy in the form of the RF energy is radiated by the first coil and transmitted within the body of the patient, wherein the received RF energy induces a current in the second coil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for powering an implant includes first energy interface elements, a removeably attachable holding device and a first energy source, such as a battery. An energy conversion circuit converts first energy into second energy which is transmitted within the body of the patient to the implant. Also, an apparatus for providing information to an implant that includes first energy interface elements and a housing that includes a processor operatively coupled to the first energy interface elements and an energy source operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is structured to generate an information signal and cause the signal to be transmitted within the body of the patient for delivery to the implant. Associated methods are also provided.