An implantable device powered by wireless power

Abstract

The present application relates to an implantable device that is wirelessly powered, comprising: a dielectric substrate having a dielectric constant between 100 and 300 and a loss angle of less than or equal to 0.05%; an antenna, which is a microstrip antenna disposed on the dielectric substrate and configured to contact an implanted entity when implanted, so that the implanted entity functions as a partial antenna element; and a power supply circuit coupled to the antenna. The power supply circuit comprises: a virtual battery, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate, configured to store and provide power; and a charge pump circuit, located between the antenna and the virtual battery, configured to boost the electromotive force of a power signal received by the antenna to charge the virtual battery. The device achieves stable wireless power supply at multiple angles, distances, and relative motion, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the implantable device. Furthermore, the device is miniaturized and easy to implant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of implantable devices, and in particular to an implantable device powered by wireless power. Background Art

[0002] Animal health is assessed by measuring body temperature. Mercury and electronic thermometers are available on the market. Related technologies use wearable electronic ear tags, which utilize Bluetooth technology, a temperature sensor, and a button battery for contact temperature measurement. These technologies rely on contact between the temperature sensor and the ear skin to measure skin temperature, which can be affected by environmental factors and may not represent the true temperature. Furthermore, wearable electronic ear tags have a shedding rate as high as 60%.

[0003] The inventors of this application have discovered an implantable device that can monitor internal body temperature and is not easily dislodged. However, related electronic thermometers and other similar devices are bulky and difficult to implant. Furthermore, some electronic components are toxic or harmful, making them impractical or unsuitable for long-term use in animals. Furthermore, implantable devices present numerous issues with power supply and communication performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems or at least partially solve the above technical problems, the present application provides an implantable device that is powered by wireless power.

[0005] The present application provides an implantable device that is wirelessly powered, comprising: a dielectric substrate having a dielectric constant between 100 and 300 and a loss angle less than or equal to 0.05%; an antenna, which is a microstrip antenna disposed on the dielectric substrate and is configured to contact an implanted entity when implanted so that the implanted entity acts as a partial antenna element; and a power supply circuit coupled to the antenna; wherein the power supply circuit comprises: a virtual battery, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate, configured to store and provide power; and a charge pump circuit, located between the antenna and the virtual battery, configured to boost the electromotive force of a power signal obtained at the antenna to charge the virtual battery.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power supply circuit further includes: an energy storage valve configured so that the virtual battery supplies power when its electromotive force reaches the valve; and a voltage stabilizing circuit coupled to the energy storage valve.

[0007] In some embodiments, the implantable device further comprises: an anti-corrosion coating disposed on the antenna; or the antenna is made of anti-corrosion metal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the antenna is a silver-plated layer provided on a dielectric substrate through a silver plating process.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dielectric substrate is made of crystalline ceramic doped with a trace amount of rare earth elements.

[0010] In some embodiments, the antenna operates in a frequency range of 200 MHz to 1000 MHz.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the implantable device further comprises: an insulating covering layer disposed on the power supply circuit to insulate the power supply circuit from an implanted entity when implanted.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the chemical formula of the crystalline ceramic is CaCu3Ti4O 12 .

[0013] In certain embodiments, the insulating cover is a biocompatible material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the implantable device further comprises: a communication circuit coupled to the antenna and configured to receive and / or transmit communication signals via the antenna.

[0015] The above-mentioned technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages compared with the existing technology: the implantable device provided by the embodiment of the present application realizes stable wireless power supply at multiple angles, multiple distances and during relative motion, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the implantable device, and has the characteristics of miniaturization and easy implantation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an embodiment of a system of an implantable device and external components provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 A hardware schematic diagram of an implementation of a circuit system of an implantable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 A hardware schematic diagram of another embodiment of the circuit system of the implantable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of an embodiment of a power supply circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of an embodiment of a charge pump circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a virtual battery provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a virtual battery provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the antenna structure and insulating covering layer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the antenna structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 10 A perspective view of an embodiment of the implantable device provided in the present application;

[0028] Figure 11A A schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna reflector provided in an embodiment of the present application and its positional relationship with the dielectric substrate;

[0029] Figure 11B A schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of the antenna element provided in an embodiment of the present application and its positional relationship with the dielectric substrate;

[0030] Figure 11C A schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna short-circuit plate provided in an embodiment of the present application and its positional relationship with the dielectric substrate;

[0031] Figure 11D A schematic diagram of the structure of the impedance matching microstrip line and circuit system provided in an embodiment of the present application and their positional relationship with the dielectric substrate;

[0032] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an implementation of an implantable device that is wirelessly powered, as provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an embodiment of an implantable sensor device that is wirelessly powered provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an embodiment of an implantable RFID tag device for detecting temperature provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an implementation of the implantable device provided in an embodiment of the present application; and

[0036] Figure 16A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an embodiment of an implantable RFID tag device for obtaining animal body temperature provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] In the subsequent description, suffixes such as "module," "component," or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of the present invention and have no specific meaning. Therefore, "module," "component," or "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present application relate to an implantable device having an improved characteristic structure with a small volume for easy implantation. Some embodiments of the present application relate to an implantable device having an improved characteristic structure of energy supply and / or antenna communication performance, which can be implanted in an entity. Some embodiments of the present application relate to an improved characteristic structure of wireless energy supply, which enables stable wireless energy supply at multiple angles, multiple distances, and during relative motion. Some embodiments of the present application relate to an improved characteristic structure of antenna performance, which enables the entity to act as a partial antenna vibrator, thereby ensuring antenna performance while reducing the volume of the implantable device. Some embodiments of the present application relate to improved structural features of the communication performance of the implantable device in a liquid environment and surrounding tissue (such as muscle, fat, etc.), so that the antenna can resist reflection from surrounding tissue.

[0040] In some embodiments, the entity is an insulator, such as a wooden or other insulating material. In some embodiments, the entity is a conductor. In some embodiments, the entity is an animal (including a human body). The implantable device is at least partially in contact with and conductive to the conductor (e.g., surrounding tissue of the animal), such as a microstrip antenna in contact with and conductive to the conductor, allowing the implanted entity to function as a partial antenna element, thereby reducing the size of the microstrip antenna while maintaining antenna performance.

[0041] In some embodiments, the implantable device includes a sensor unit capable of acquiring information related to the implanted entity, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or various other types of sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor unit is at least partially in contact with the implanted entity, enabling the sensor unit to detect information related to the implanted entity.

[0042] In some embodiments, the implantable device has one or more other components, such as a device capable of applying an effect to an implanted entity, which may include a medical treatment unit. The medical treatment unit may include an electrode pair that can deliver neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) pulses to a nerve.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 As shown, implantable device 100 includes a dielectric substrate 101, an antenna 102, and a circuit system 103. Antenna 102 and circuit system 103 are disposed on dielectric substrate 101. In the embodiment of the present application, antenna 102 is a microstrip antenna disposed on dielectric substrate 101. Antenna 102 can receive and transmit radio frequency (RF) signals. In certain embodiments, antenna 102 operates in a frequency range of 200 MHz to 1000 MHz.

[0044] In some embodiments, circuitry 103 of implantable device 100 receives power from external component 200. In some embodiments, circuitry 103 of implantable device 100 may include a power source (not shown) and circuitry 103 may be powered by the power source.

[0045] In certain embodiments, external component 200 includes an antenna 201 and circuitry 202. Antenna 201 is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals. External component 200 transmits RF signals via antenna 201 to wirelessly transmit power signals and / or communication signals, including control commands, to implantable device 100. In certain embodiments, external component 200 receives communication signals transmitted by implantable device 100 via antenna 201. The communication signals include control commands, data detected by a sensor unit, and identity information of implantable device 100.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present application, the implantable device 100 performs short-range wireless communication with the external component 100 , such as radio frequency identification (RFID).

[0047] In some embodiments, a thin dielectric substrate 101 is formed with a thin layer attached to one side as a ground plane, and a metal patch of a specific shape is formed on the other side using photolithography and etching. A microstrip line is used to feed the patch, forming antenna 102. In some embodiments, the metal patch is a long, narrow strip; in this case, antenna 102 is called a microstrip dipole antenna. In other embodiments, the metal patch is a single area unit. Antenna 102 is coupled to circuit system 103 via an impedance-matched microstrip line.

[0048] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 2 As shown, the circuit system 103 includes a power supply circuit 1031 and a communication circuit 1032. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3As shown, circuit system 103 includes a power supply circuit 1031, a communication circuit 1032, and a sensor unit 1033. Power supply circuit 1031 stores power received by the antenna and supplies power to communication circuit 1032. Communication circuit 1032 processes the communication signal received by antenna 102 and transmits the communication signal to external component 200 via antenna 102. In some embodiments, the power signal and the communication signal are modulated for simultaneous reception. In other embodiments, the power signal and the communication signal are received separately.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the implantable device 100 is configured to be implanted within a conductive body, and thus an insulating covering layer is provided on the circuit system 103 of the implantable device 100 to insulate the circuit system 103 from the conductive body. In certain embodiments, the implantable device 100 is configured to be implanted within a living body (e.g., muscle tissue of an animal), and the insulating covering layer is a biocompatible material (e.g., biomedical adhesive) to reduce or avoid biological rejection.

[0050] In certain implementations, the environment in which implantable device 100 is implanted is corrosive (e.g., muscle, body fluids, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of antenna 102 of implantable device 100 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal (e.g., silver, but not limited thereto). In other embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of antenna 102 of implantable device 100 is provided with an anti-corrosion coating (e.g., silver, but not limited thereto).

[0051] dielectric substrate

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, a high-dielectric-constant dielectric substrate 101 is used. High-dielectric-constant materials are known from the prior art and are not described in detail herein. In certain embodiments, the dielectric constant of dielectric substrate 101 is between 100 and 300, and the loss factor is less than 0.05%. This reduces the size of antenna 102 and the size of the impedance-matching microstrip line between antenna 102 and circuit system 103.

[0053] In some embodiments, the dielectric substrate 101 is made of a crystalline ceramic doped with trace amounts of rare earth elements. Crystalline ceramics have excellent strength, hardness, insulation, thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and high temperature strength. This prevents the implantable device from overheating and causing performance degradation. As an example, a dielectric substrate with the chemical formula of CaCu3Ti4O 12 Crystal structure ceramics are doped with trace rare earth elements such as molybdenum to adjust the dielectric constant and improve the loss angle to make a dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant between 100 and 300 and a loss angle within 0.05%.

[0054] In some embodiments, the dielectric substrate is in an elongated strip shape to facilitate implantation of the implantable device 100 within the implanted entity, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the volume of the implantable device 100 is less than 1.2 mm by 1.6 mm by 16 mm, using a dielectric substrate 101 having a dielectric constant between 100 and 300 and a loss factor less than 0.05%.

[0055] Wireless power supply

[0056] In the embodiment of the present application, external component 200 transmits an RF signal via antenna 201. Antenna 102 of implantable device 100 receives the RF signal transmitted by external component 200, and an electric charge is generated on antenna 102 of implantable device 100. The intensity of the electric charge on antenna 102 is related to the distance between implantable device 100 and external component 200, and the angle between antenna 102 and antenna 201. Due to variations in distance and / or angle, as well as movement of external component 200 relative to implantable device 100 (e.g., when implanted in an animal), the electric charge on antenna 102 is not constant, resulting in unstable power supply.

[0057] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 4 As shown, the power supply circuit 1031 includes: a virtual battery 10311, which is configured to store and provide power; and a charge pump circuit 10312, located between the antenna 102 and the virtual battery 10311, which is configured to boost the electromotive force of the power signal obtained at the antenna 102 to charge the virtual battery 10311.

[0058] The charge pump circuit 10312 increases the weak and fluctuating charges obtained by the antenna 102 to a certain volt potential energy, which charges the virtual battery 10311 to store electrical energy. In other words, the charge from the antenna 102 flows through the charge pump circuit 10312 and is then boosted and stored in the virtual battery 10311. This allows the power supply circuit to stably supply power to other parts of the circuit system 103, thereby enabling stable wireless power supply when the external component 200 and the implantable device 100 are in various positional relationships. In particular, when the external component 200 and the implantable device 100 are in relative motion, the device can also maintain stable and unlimited functionality. In the embodiment of the present application, the potential energy can be set as needed.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present application, the charge pump circuit 10312 can adopt various types of charge pump circuits for boosting voltage. As a non-limiting example, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the charge pump circuit 10312 is composed of capacitors and diodes, and has the characteristics of small size and low cost. The core part of the entire working process of the charge pump circuit 10312 is the capacitor charging and discharging process. Figure 5The dotted line portion indicates that the component may contain any number of the same structure.

[0060] refer to Figure 6 As shown, virtual battery 10311 includes a first electrode 10311a and a second electrode 10311b disposed on dielectric substrate 101. First electrode 10311a and second electrode 10311b are positioned opposite each other, with dielectric material 10311c interposed between them, forming a capacitor. Dielectric material 10311c between the two electrodes of virtual battery 10311 is part of dielectric substrate 101. For illustrative purposes, first electrode 10311a and second electrode 10311b are printed on dielectric substrate 101.

[0061] refer to Figure 7 Figure 2 shows an equivalent diagram of virtual battery 10311. Virtual battery 10311 stores charge Q = V * C, where V is the electromotive force and C is the capacitance. The first electrode 10311a and the second electrode 10311b of virtual battery 10311 form a capacitor with a capacitance of C = ε0 * ε * A / δ, where ε is the dielectric constant of dielectric material 10311c, A is the area of first and second electrodes 10311a, 10311b, and δ is the distance between first and second electrodes 10311a, 10311b.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, a high-dielectric-constant dielectric material 10311c is used to reduce the volume of the virtual battery 10311. In certain embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric material 10311c ranges from 100 to 300, resulting in a 30-fold difference in capacitance for the same area. In certain embodiments, the virtual battery 10311 is smaller than 0.8 mm by 0.8 mm by 2 mm and can store a large amount of charge, meeting the energy requirements of the circuit system.

[0063] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 4 As shown, the power supply circuit 1031 also includes an energy storage valve 10313, which is configured to supply power when the electromotive force of the virtual battery 1031 reaches the valve, thereby improving the stability of the supply voltage. The energy storage valve 10313 can be described in detail in the prior art and will not be described in detail in this embodiment. This allows the other circuits of the circuit system 103 to operate at a stable voltage, particularly the operating voltage of the sensor unit 1033, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection data.

[0064] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 4As shown, the power supply circuit 1031 further includes a voltage stabilizing circuit 10314 coupled to the energy storage valve 10313. The voltage stabilizing circuit 10314 can be found in the prior art and will not be described in detail in this embodiment. This allows the other circuits of the circuit system 103 to operate at a stable voltage, particularly allowing the operating voltage of the sensor unit 1033 to be more stable, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection data.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present application, when the operating frequency range of the antenna is 200 MHz to 1000 MHz, the power supply circuit 1031 can stably provide wireless energy within a 60° sector of the external component 200 at least 1 meter away.

[0066] Wireless layout

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, antenna 102 is a microstrip antenna disposed on dielectric substrate 101. For example, at least a portion of antenna 102 is disposed on dielectric substrate 101 via a process such as electroplating. Microstrip antennas are characterized by their small size. In certain embodiments, the dielectric constant of dielectric substrate 101 is between 100 and 300, and the loss factor is less than 0.05%, thereby significantly reducing the size of antenna 102. Taking a communication frequency of 915 MHz as an example, the wavelength of 915 MHz is 33 cm. Using a quarter-wavelength monopole antenna model, the antenna length is no less than 8 cm. By disposing a microstrip antenna on a dielectric substrate 101 with a high dielectric constant, the antenna element length can be reduced to 16 mm, reducing the antenna size from 8 cm to 16 mm.

[0068] In some embodiments, antenna 102 is provided with an anti-corrosion coating. In some embodiments, antenna 102 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal (e.g., silver). In some embodiments, antenna 102 is a silver-plated layer formed on dielectric substrate 101 using a silver plating process. This allows the implantable device to be used in a corrosive environment.

[0069] In some embodiments, the implantable device 100 is configured to be implanted in a conductive entity, such as a living animal, edible meat, conductive liquid, or other conductive entity. Figure 8 As shown, the circuit system 103 of the implantable device 100 is covered by an insulating cover layer 104 to insulate the circuit system 103 from the implanted entity.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the implantable device 100 is configured to be implanted in a living body, and the insulating covering layer 104 is made of a biocompatible material to avoid or reduce biological rejection, such as biomedical glue.

[0071] refer to Figure 8As shown, antenna 102 includes an antenna element 1021 and an antenna reflective ground 1022. In some embodiments, antenna element 1021 is in contact with and conductive to the implanted object, allowing the implanted object to function as part of the antenna element, thereby increasing antenna gain. In some embodiments, antenna reflective ground 1022 is in contact with and conductive to the implanted object. In other embodiments, antenna reflective ground 1022 is insulated from the implanted object.

[0072] In certain embodiments, after the implantable device 100 is implanted in a physical object, components such as the antenna 102 come into contact with the physical object. Some physical objects are corrosive (e.g., a living organism or an environment containing water or salt, such as edible meat). Therefore, the antenna element 1021 and antenna reflector 1022 of the antenna 102 may be made of a corrosion-resistant metal (e.g., silver). In other embodiments, the surfaces of the antenna element 1021 and antenna reflector 1022 may be printed with an anti-corrosion coating, for example, by silver plating the surfaces of the antenna element 1021 and antenna reflector 1022, but this is not limited to this. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1021 and antenna reflector 1022 are silver-plated layers disposed on the dielectric substrate using a silver plating process.

[0073] refer to Figure 9 As shown, in certain embodiments, the antenna 102 of the implantable device 100 includes an antenna element 1021, an antenna reflector 1022, and an antenna shorting piece 1023. Antenna element 1021 is disposed on one side of a dielectric substrate 101, while antenna reflector 1022 is disposed on the other side of the dielectric substrate 101, such that antenna element 1021 and antenna reflector 1022 are positioned opposite each other. Antenna shorting piece 1023 is disposed on the side of the dielectric substrate 101, short-circuiting antenna element 1021 and antenna reflector 1022. When the implantable device 100 is implanted in a living body, the living body contacts and conducts electricity with antenna element 1021, allowing the living body to act as an equivalent antenna element. In certain embodiments, antenna element 1021 contacts and conducts electricity with the living body, with antenna element 1021 of the implantable device 100 acting as 2% of the antenna element, while the living body acts as 98% of the element equivalent. This significantly increases the antenna's radiation surface and improves antenna gain.

[0074] In certain embodiments, when the implantable device 100 is implanted in a living body, the antenna reflective ground 1022 contacts and conducts with the living body, and the living body acts as a part of the antenna reflective ground.

[0075] When implantable device 100 is implanted in a living body, antenna 102 is surrounded by surrounding tissues such as muscle and fat. Radio waves from outside the body penetrate the surrounding tissues and reach implantable device 100. Radio waves propagate in different directions, causing reflections and degrading antenna performance.

[0076] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 10As shown, the dielectric substrate 101 of the implantable device 100 is in the shape of a miniature cuboid. It should be understood that the cuboid here is a rough shape, not a mathematical cuboid. The antenna 102 and circuit system 103 are disposed on the cuboid-shaped dielectric substrate 101. Antenna 102 includes an antenna element 1021, an antenna reflector 1022, and an antenna shorting plate 1023. Antenna shorting plate 1023 shorts the antenna element 1021 to the antenna reflector 1022.

[0077] refer to Figure 10 and 11A As shown, the antenna reflector 1022 is disposed on the first portion 1011a of the first side surface 1011 of the dielectric substrate 101. Figure 10 and 11B As shown, the antenna element 1021 is arranged on a second side surface 1012 parallel to the first side surface 1011, a third side surface 1013 of smaller size, and a second portion 1011b of the first side surface 1011. The antenna element 1021 is arranged to contact surrounding tissue when implanted in the body, so that the surrounding tissue acts as part of the antenna element. Figure 10 and 11C As shown, the antenna short-circuit piece 1023 is arranged on the fourth side surface 1014 parallel to the third side surface 1013 , and is configured to short-circuit the antenna element 1021 and the antenna reflection ground 1022 .

[0078] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 10 and Figure 11D As shown, the circuit system 103 is arranged on a fifth side surface 1015 perpendicular to the first side surface 1011. Figure 10 、 Figure 11A 、 11B As shown in FIG11D , the first impedance matching microstrip line 105a is provided between the antenna element 1021 and the circuit system 103; and the second impedance matching microstrip line 105b is provided between the antenna reflection ground 1022 and the circuit system 103. Figure 11A 、 11B As shown in FIG11D , the first impedance matching microstrip line 105 a is coupled to the portion of the antenna element 1021 located on the second side surface 1012 , and the second impedance matching microstrip line 105 b is coupled to the antenna reflection ground 1022 .

[0079] In some embodiments, an insulating covering layer 104 is provided on the circuit system 103 to insulate the circuit system 103 from surrounding tissues of the organism. Optionally, the insulating covering layer 104 is a biocompatible material, such as biomedical glue, to avoid or reduce rejection by the organism.

[0080] In some embodiments, an anti-corrosion coating, such as silver plating, is at least partially provided on the antenna element 1021, the antenna reflector 1022, and the antenna shorting piece 1023. In other embodiments, the antenna element 1021, the antenna reflector 1022, and the antenna shorting piece 1023 are made of anti-corrosion metal.

[0081] In certain embodiments, when implanted within a living organism, antenna element 1021, antenna reflective ground 1022, and antenna shorting piece 1023 are in contact with and electrically connected to surrounding tissue, utilizing the surrounding tissue as antenna filler to counteract reflection. In certain embodiments, antenna reflective ground 1022 and / or antenna shorting piece 1023 are insulated from surrounding tissue.

[0082] In some embodiments, the antenna 102 operates in a frequency range of 200 MHz to 1000 MHz.

[0083] pass Figure 10 、 Figures 11A to 11D The layout of the antenna 102 shown is such that when the implantable device is implanted in an entity such as a biological body, the antenna 102 can resist the reflection effect of the entity such as the biological body, thereby achieving multi-directional three-dimensional transmission and reception of RF signals.

[0084] It should be understood that Figure 10 、 Figures 11A to 11D The layout of the antenna 102 shown is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art can adjust the size, location, etc. of the antenna components as needed based on the techniques herein.

[0085] Example 1

[0086] Embodiment 1 of the present application provides an implantable device that is wirelessly powered. This device is capable of providing stable power at multiple angles, in multiple locations, and during relative motion, ensuring operational stability. The device is also miniaturized for ease of implantation.

[0087] refer to Figure 12 As shown, embodiment 1 of the present application provides an implantable device powered by wireless power, including: a dielectric substrate 10 ; an antenna 20 , which is a microstrip antenna disposed on the dielectric substrate 10 ; and a power supply circuit 30 coupled to the antenna 20 .

[0088] In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate 10 is between 100 and 300. In some embodiments, the dielectric loss of the dielectric substrate 10 is less than 0.05%. The dielectric substrate 10 is described above with reference to the dielectric substrate 101 and will not be repeated here.

[0089] In this embodiment, the power supply circuit 30 includes: a virtual battery 31, including a first electrode and a second electrode provided on a dielectric substrate, the first electrode and the second electrode and the dielectric material therebetween form a capacitor (refer to Figure 6 ), a virtual battery 31 is configured to store and provide power; and a charge pump circuit 32 is located between the antenna 20 and the virtual battery 31 and is configured to increase the electromotive force of the power signal obtained at the antenna 20 to charge the virtual battery 31. In some embodiments, the antenna 20 is configured to contact the implanted entity when implanted, so that the implanted entity serves as part of the antenna element.

[0090] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 12 As shown, the power supply circuit 30 further includes: an energy storage valve 33 , which is configured so that the virtual battery 31 supplies power when its electromotive force reaches the valve; and a voltage stabilizing circuit 34 coupled to the energy storage valve 33 .

[0091] In some embodiments, an anti-corrosion coating is provided on antenna 20. In some embodiments, antenna 20 is made of corrosion-resistant metal. In some embodiments, antenna 20 is a silver-plated layer provided on dielectric substrate 10 through a silver plating process. This allows the implantable device to be used in a corrosive environment.

[0092] In some embodiments, the wirelessly powered implantable device further comprises an insulating covering layer disposed on the power supply circuit 30 to insulate the power supply circuit 30 from the conductive body when the implantable device is implanted therein. In some embodiments, the conductive body is a living organism, and the insulating covering layer is a biocompatible material.

[0093] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 12 As shown, the implantable device further includes a communication circuit 40, which is coupled to the antenna 20 and is configured to receive and / or send communication signals through the antenna 20. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 40 is an RFID tag chip.

[0094] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 may refer to the description of the antenna 102 herein, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] Example 2

[0096] Embodiment 2 of the present application provides an implantable sensor device that is wirelessly powered and includes a sensor unit capable of detecting data related to an implanted entity. The implantable sensor device is also miniaturized for easy implantation.

[0097] refer to Figure 13As shown, the implantable sensor device provided by wireless power supply provided in Example 2 of the present application includes: a dielectric substrate 10; an antenna 20, which is a microstrip antenna arranged on the dielectric substrate 10; a sensor unit 50; a communication circuit 40, coupled with the antenna 20 and the sensor unit 50, and is configured to obtain detection data from the sensor unit 60 and send the detection data through the antenna 20; and a power supply circuit 30, coupled with the antenna 20, and configured to supply power to the sensor unit 50 and the communication circuit 40, the power supply circuit 30 includes: a virtual battery 31, including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the dielectric substrate, and the virtual battery 31 is configured to store the power signal obtained by the antenna.

[0098] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 13 As shown, the power supply circuit 30 further includes: a charge pump circuit 32, located between the antenna 20 and the virtual battery, and configured to increase the electromotive force of the power signal obtained at the antenna 20 to charge the virtual battery 31. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 As shown, the power supply circuit 30 further includes: an energy storage valve 33 , which is configured so that the virtual battery 31 supplies power when its electromotive force reaches the valve; and a voltage stabilizing circuit 34 coupled to the energy storage valve 33 .

[0099] In some embodiments, the sensor unit 50 is configured to at least partially contact the detection entity when implanted in the detection entity, so as to detect information related to the detection entity.

[0100] In some embodiments, antenna 20 is configured to contact the conductive body when the implantable sensor device is implanted within the conductive body, such that the conductive body functions as part of the antenna element.

[0101] In some embodiments, the implantable sensor device further includes an anti-corrosion coating disposed on the antenna 20 .

[0102] In some embodiments, the implantable sensor device further includes an insulating covering layer disposed on at least the power supply circuit 30 and the communication circuit 40 to insulate the power supply circuit and the communication circuit from the conductive body when the implantable sensor device is implanted in the conductive body. In some embodiments, the conductive body is a living organism, and the insulating covering layer is formed of a biocompatible material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 may refer to the description of the antenna 102 herein, which will not be repeated here. The dielectric substrate 10 may refer to the description of the dielectric substrate 101 herein, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the external component 200 communicates with the implantable sensor device and wirelessly provides power and communication signals to the implantable sensor device, so that the implantable sensor device performs detection and transmits detection data through the power.

[0105] Example 3

[0106] Example 3 of the present application provides an implantable RFID tag device for detecting temperature. The implantable RFID tag device uses RFID communication and wireless power supply, and has a temperature sensor. The temperature of the implanted entity is detected by the temperature sensor, and the temperature information and the ID of the RFID tag device are sent to an external component through the RFID tag chip.

[0107] refer to Figure 14 As shown, the implantable RFID tag device for detecting temperature provided by the embodiment of the present application includes: a dielectric substrate 10; an antenna 20, which is a microstrip antenna printed on the dielectric substrate 10; a temperature sensor 51; an RFID tag chip 41, coupled with the antenna 20 and the temperature sensor 51, configured to obtain temperature data from the temperature sensor 51 and send the temperature data and the ID of the RFID tag through the antenna 20; and a power supply circuit 30, coupled with the antenna 20, configured to provide power to the temperature sensor 51 and the RFID tag chip 41, the power supply circuit 30 including: a virtual battery 31, including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the dielectric substrate 10, and the virtual battery 31 is configured to store the power signal obtained from the antenna 20.

[0108] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 14 As shown, the power supply circuit 30 further includes: a charge pump circuit 32, located between the antenna 20 and the virtual battery, and configured to increase the electromotive force of the power signal obtained at the antenna 20 to charge the virtual battery 31. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 14 As shown, the power supply circuit 30 further includes: an energy storage valve 33 , which is configured so that the virtual battery 31 supplies power when its electromotive force reaches the valve; and a voltage stabilizing circuit 34 coupled to the energy storage valve 33 .

[0109] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 51 is configured to be at least partially in contact with the detection entity when implanted in the detection entity, so as to detect the temperature of the detection entity.

[0110] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 is configured to contact the conductive body when the implantable RFID tag device is implanted within the conductive body, such that the conductive body functions as part of the antenna element.

[0111] In some embodiments, the implantable RFID tag device further includes an anti-corrosion coating disposed on the antenna 20 .

[0112] In some embodiments, the implantable RFID tag device further includes an insulating covering layer disposed at least on the power supply circuit 30 and the RFID tag chip 51. This layer insulates the power supply circuit 30 and the RFID tag chip 51 from the conductive body when the implantable RFID tag device is implanted in the conductive body. In some embodiments, the conductive body is a living organism, and the insulating covering layer is a biocompatible material, such as a biomedical adhesive.

[0113] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 may refer to the description of the antenna 102 herein, which will not be repeated here. The dielectric substrate 10 may refer to the description of the dielectric substrate 101 herein, which will not be repeated here.

[0114] In Example 3, an implantable RFID tag device communicates with an RFID reader. After the implantable RFID tag device enters the communication range of the RFID reader, the RFID reader transmits an RF signal through its antenna. The implantable RFID tag device receives the RF signal, draws power from it, and supplies the power to the RFID tag chip and the temperature sensor. The RFID tag chip communicates with the RFID reader. The RFID reader sends a temperature measurement command to the RFID tag chip. In response to the temperature measurement command, the RFID tag chip obtains temperature data from the temperature sensor. The RFID tag chip transmits the obtained temperature data and the RFID tag ID to the RFID reader. The RFID reader obtains the temperature data and the RFID tag ID.

[0115] In some embodiments, the RFID reader is fixed at a certain location, and the implanted entity (such as an animal body) with the implantable RFID tag device approaches the location and enters the communication range of the RFID reader to perform the aforementioned temperature measurement process.

[0116] In some embodiments, the RFID reader (eg, a handheld device) is movable relative to the implanted entity of the implantable RFID tag device, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0117] Example 4

[0118] Example 4 of the present application provides an implantable device. When the implantable device is implanted in a living body, its antenna contacts the living body's muscles, fat and other surrounding tissues, so that the living body acts as a partial antenna element. Through the antenna layout setting, the implantable device can resist reflection from surrounding tissues.

[0119] refer to Figure 15 As shown, the implantable device provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a dielectric substrate 10; and an antenna 20, which is arranged on the dielectric substrate 10.

[0120] The layout of the antenna 20 of the embodiment of the present application is shown in reference Figure 10 、 11A As shown in 11D , the dielectric substrate is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the antenna 20 (corresponding to the antenna 102) includes an antenna reflector 1022, which is arranged on the first part 1011a of the larger first side surface 1011 of the dielectric substrate; an antenna vibrator 1021, which is arranged on the second side surface 1012 parallel to the first side surface 1011, the smaller third side surface 1013, and the second part 1011b of the first side surface 1011; the antenna vibrator 1021 is arranged to contact the surrounding tissue when implanted in the body, so that the surrounding tissue acts as part of the antenna vibrator; and an antenna short-circuit piece 1023, which is arranged on the fourth side surface 1014 parallel to the third side surface 1013 and is arranged to short-circuit the antenna vibrator 1021 and the antenna reflector 1022.

[0121] In some embodiments, the implantable device further comprises: a circuit system 300. The circuit system 300 is provided at a position referenced by Figure 10 and Figure 11D As shown, the circuit system 300 (corresponding to the circuit system 103) is provided on a fifth side surface 1015 perpendicular to the first side surface 1011; an insulating cover layer 104 is provided on the circuit system 300 (corresponding to the circuit system 103) to insulate the circuit system 300 (corresponding to the circuit system 103) from the surrounding tissue. Impedance matching is achieved between the circuit system 300 and the antenna 20 via a microstrip line. Figure 10 and Figure 11D As shown, the first impedance matching microstrip line 105a is provided between the antenna element 1021 and the circuit system 300 (corresponding to the circuit system 103), and the second impedance matching microstrip line 105b is provided between the antenna reflective ground 1022 and the circuit system 300 (corresponding to the circuit system 103).

[0122] In some embodiments, the implantable device further comprises an anti-corrosion coating disposed on the antenna 20. In some embodiments, the antenna reflector 1022, antenna element 1021, and antenna shorting piece 1023 are printed silver strips. In some embodiments, the antenna element 1021 completely covers the second side 1012 and the third side 1013.

[0123] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 may refer to the description of the antenna 102 herein, which will not be repeated here. The dielectric substrate 10 may refer to the description of the dielectric substrate 101 herein, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] In some embodiments, the insulating covering layer on the circuit system 20 is a biocompatible material.

[0125] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 is configured to provide a power signal and / or a communication signal to the circuit system 300. The circuit system 300 is configured to receive the power signal and / or the communication signal from the antenna.

[0126] In some embodiments, the circuit system 300 may include the power supply circuit 30 described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0127] Example 5

[0128] Example 5 of the present application provides an implantable RFID tag device for obtaining an animal's body temperature. The implantable RFID tag device includes a temperature sensor. When the implantable RFID tag device is implanted in an animal, an external component wirelessly supplies power to the RFID tag chip and the temperature sensor. The RFID tag chip obtains the animal's body temperature detected by the temperature sensor and transmits the RFID tag ID and temperature data to the external component.

[0129] refer to Figure 16 As shown, an implantable RFID tag device for obtaining animal body temperature provided in an embodiment of the present application includes: a dielectric substrate 10; an antenna 20 disposed on the dielectric substrate 10; and a body temperature detection circuit 60. The body temperature detection circuit 60 includes: a temperature sensor 61 configured to detect temperature and generate a temperature signal; and an RFID tag chip 62 configured to obtain the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 61 and transmit the temperature signal and the RFID tag ID via the antenna 20.

[0130] The layout of the antenna 20 of the embodiment of the present application is shown in reference Figure 10 、 11A As shown in 11D , the dielectric substrate is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the antenna 20 (corresponding to the antenna 102) includes: an antenna reflector 1022, which is arranged on the first portion 1011a of the larger first side surface 1011 of the dielectric substrate; an antenna element 1021, which is arranged on the second side surface 1012 parallel to the first side surface 1011, the smaller third side surface 1013, and the second portion 1011b of the first side surface 1011; the antenna element 1021 is arranged to contact the surrounding tissue when implanted in the body, so that the surrounding tissue acts as part of the antenna element; and an antenna short-circuit piece 1023, which is arranged on the fourth side surface 1014 parallel to the third side surface 1013, and is arranged to short-circuit the antenna element 1021 and the antenna reflector 1022.

[0131] The setting position of the body temperature detection circuit 60 is referenced Figure 10 and Figure 11DAs shown, the body temperature detection circuit 60 (corresponding to the circuit system 103) is provided on a fifth side surface 1015 perpendicular to the first side surface 1011; an insulating covering layer 104 is provided on the body temperature detection circuit 60 (corresponding to the circuit system 103) to insulate the body temperature detection circuit 60 (corresponding to the circuit system 103) from the surrounding tissue. Impedance matching is performed between the body temperature detection circuit 60 and the antenna 20 via a microstrip line. Figure 10 and Figure 11D As shown, the first impedance matching microstrip line 105a is provided between the antenna element 1021 and the body temperature detection circuit 60 (corresponding to the circuit system 103). The second impedance matching microstrip line 105b is provided between the antenna reflection ground 1022 and the body temperature detection circuit 60.

[0132] In the embodiment of the present application, an insulating covering layer is provided on the body temperature detection circuit 60 to insulate the body temperature detection circuit 60 from surrounding tissues.

[0133] In some embodiments, the implantable RFID tag device is powered wirelessly. Figure 16 As shown, it further includes: a power supply circuit 30 coupled to the antenna 20. The power supply circuit 30 includes: a dummy battery 31, including a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on a dielectric substrate, configured to store electricity and provide power to the body temperature detection circuit 60; and a charge pump circuit 32, located between the antenna 20 and the dummy battery 31, configured to boost the electromotive force of the power signal obtained by the antenna 20 to charge the dummy battery 31. The power supply circuit 30 is covered by an insulating cover to insulate the power supply circuit 30 from surrounding tissue.

[0134] In certain embodiments, reference Figure 16 As shown, the power supply circuit 30 further includes: an energy storage valve 33, which is configured so that the virtual battery 31 supplies power when its electromotive force reaches the valve; and a voltage stabilizing circuit 34, coupled to the energy storage valve.

[0135] In some embodiments, the implantable RFID tag device further comprises: an anti-corrosion coating disposed on the antenna 20. In some embodiments, the antenna reflector 1022, the antenna element 1021, and the antenna short-circuit piece 1023 are printed silver strips.

[0136] In some embodiments, the antenna element 1021 completely covers the second side surface and the third side surface.

[0137] In some embodiments, the antenna 20 may refer to the description of the antenna 102 herein, which will not be repeated here. The dielectric substrate 10 may refer to the description of the dielectric substrate 101 herein, which will not be repeated here.

[0138] In certain embodiments, the insulating cover is a biocompatible material.

[0139] In Example 5, an implantable RFID tag device communicates with an RFID reader. When an animal body implanted with the implantable RFID tag device enters the communication range of the RFID reader, the RFID reader transmits an RF signal through its antenna. The implantable RFID tag device receives the RF signal, extracts power from it, and supplies the power to the RFID tag chip and the temperature sensor. The RFID tag chip communicates with the RFID reader, which sends a temperature measurement command to the RFID tag chip. In response to the temperature measurement command, the RFID tag chip obtains temperature data from the temperature sensor. The RFID tag chip transmits the obtained temperature data and the RFID tag ID to the RFID reader. The RFID reader obtains the temperature data and the RFID tag ID.

[0140] In some embodiments, the RFID reader is fixed at a certain location, and the animal body implanted with the implantable RFID tag device approaches the location and enters the communication range of the RFID reader before the aforementioned temperature measurement process is performed.

[0141] In some embodiments, the RFID reader (eg, a handheld device) is capable of moving relative to the body of an animal into which the implantable RFID tag device may be implanted, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0142] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0143] The serial numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are for description only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0144] The embodiments of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention and the claims, all of which are protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. An implantable device powered by wireless power, characterized in that: include: A dielectric substrate having a dielectric constant between 100 and 300 and a loss factor less than or equal to 0.05%; an antenna, the antenna being a microstrip antenna disposed on the dielectric substrate, the antenna being configured to contact an implanted entity when implanted, so that the implanted entity serves as a partial antenna element; as well as A power supply circuit is coupled to the antenna; wherein the power supply circuit includes: a virtual battery comprising a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate, configured to store and provide power, the first electrode and the second electrode being disposed opposite each other such that a dielectric material is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a capacitor, the dielectric material being part of the dielectric substrate; and A charge pump circuit is located between the antenna and the virtual battery and is configured to boost the electromotive force of the power signal obtained at the antenna to charge the virtual battery.

2. The implantable device according to claim 1, wherein The power supply circuit further includes: an energy storage valve configured so that the virtual battery supplies power when its electromotive force reaches the valve; and a voltage stabilizing circuit coupled to the energy storage valve.

3. The implantable device according to claim 1, wherein The implantable device further includes: an anti-corrosion coating disposed on the antenna; or the antenna is made of anti-corrosion metal.

4. The implantable device according to claim 1, wherein The antenna is a silver-plated layer provided on the dielectric substrate through a silver-plating process.

5. The implantable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The dielectric substrate is made of crystal structure ceramics doped with trace rare earth elements.

6. The implantable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The operating frequency range of the antenna is 200Mhz to 1000Mhz.

7. The implantable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Also includes: An insulating covering layer is provided on the power supply circuit to insulate the power supply circuit from an implanted entity when the power supply circuit is implanted.

8. The implantable device according to claim 5, wherein: The chemical formula of the crystal structure ceramic is CaCu3Ti4O12.

9. The implantable device according to claim 7, wherein: The insulating covering layer is made of biocompatible material.

10. The implantable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Also includes: The communication circuit is coupled to the antenna and is configured to receive and / or send communication signals via the antenna.

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