Wireless Power Receiver Resonance Tuning for Implant Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in maintaining efficient power transfer due to resonance variations caused by different dielectric environments, loading conditions, and fabrication mismatches, which are exacerbated by reduced power consumption and invasiveness requirements.
Innovation Solution
An inductive power receiver system-on-a-chip with a capacitor bank and a closed feedback loop that adapts settings in real-time using a successive-approximation-resonance-tuning process to mitigate resonance variations, employing an ultra-wideband impulse radio (IR-UWB) transmitter for back telemetry and duty-cycled operations to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time resonance adaptation is implemented using a capacitor bank and closed feedback loop, then power transfer efficiency is maximized and stability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resonance adaptation by periodically adjusting capacitor bank settings based on real-time detection of voltage swings. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, continuously adapting to environmental changes through a closed feedback loop that modifies circuit parameters (capacitor selections) to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency despite variations in dielectric environments or loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a closed feedback loop where voltage swings are detected, processed through a successive-approximation algorithm, and used to control capacitor bank adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically compensate for resonance variations caused by different dielectric environments, loading conditions, or fabrication mismatches, thereby maintaining stable and efficient power transfer without external intervention.
2Use of energy by moving object
If duty-cycled operations are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic duty-cycled operations where the closed feedback loop and capacitor bank adjustments are performed at specific intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the system to maintain power transfer efficiency when needed while consuming minimal power during idle periods, achieving an optimal balance between energy conservation and operational productivity for low-power implantable medical devices.
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 system achieves efficient power transfer and sensing capabilities by adapting to environmental changes, maintaining high efficiency and stability with minimal power consumption, suitable for IMDs with low power consumption and minimal invasiveness, and can detect near- and far-field environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coil that receives wireless power from an external transmitter
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor bank that optimizes power transfer to an energy harvesting device
Data Source
AI summary
Wirelessly powered receiver system and sensors are described. In an embodiment, the power receiver system, includes an inductive coil that receives wireless power from an external transmitter, a capacitor bank that optimizes power transfer to an energy harvesting device, and a power-receiving frontend RF-DC rectifier with a periodically enabled closed feedback loop that adapts settings of the capacitor bank in real-time to adapt to changes on the inductive coil to maximize power transfer efficiency.