Antenna assembly

Abstract

An antenna assembly is provided. This antenna assembly includes a circuit board having a communication circuit. This antenna assembly further includes an antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board. This antenna assembly further includes a conductive epoxy bonded to the antenna to form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , ,

[0005]

[0001] Priority Claim

[0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,488, having a filing date of Jun. 6, 2023. By the inclusion of this patent application herein, its content is also incorporated into this application.

[0002] Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to an antenna assembly. Background Art

[0003]

[0003] Antennas can be used to facilitate wireless communication between devices. In order to improve wireless communication between devices, it may sometimes be desirable for an antenna to operate with high antenna radiation efficiency. In order to prepare for wireless communication, antennas may have to be incorporated into various different types of devices. With the advancement of medical device technology, antennas are being incorporated into various different medical devices, such as implant devices like small implant devices.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004]

[0004] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in part in the following description. Alternatively, aspects and advantages can be learned from this description or can be acquired through the practice of embodiments.

[0005]

[0005] One example embodiment of this disclosure is directed to an antenna assembly. This antenna assembly includes a circuit board having a communication circuit. This antenna assembly further includes an antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board. This antenna assembly further includes a conductive epoxy coupled to the antenna to form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna.

[0006]

[0006] Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to medical devices. These medical devices include a housing. These medical devices further include an antenna assembly disposed within the housing. This antenna assembly includes a circuit board having a communication circuit. This antenna assembly further includes an antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board. This antenna assembly further includes a conductive epoxy bonded to the antenna to form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna.

[0007]

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments will be better understood by referring to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into this specification and constitute part thereof, serve to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, illustrate the relevant principles.

[0008]

[0008] This specification provides a detailed description of embodiments intended for those skilled in the art, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This shows a top-down perspective view of an antenna assembly including a laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This shows a perspective view from below of an antenna assembly including a laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A side view of an antenna assembly including an LDS antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly. [Figure 5] A top-down perspective view of an antenna assembly including a stamped metal antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6]This shows a perspective view from below of an antenna assembly including a stamped metal antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A side view of an antenna assembly including a stamped metal antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 8] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010]

[0017] Embodiments are described in detail below, with one or more examples shown in the drawings. Each example is presented as an example of an embodiment and is not a limitation of this disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in conjunction with other embodiments to create yet another embodiment. That is, aspects of this disclosure are intended to include such modifications and variations within their scope. Where the term “about” is used herein with a number, it is intended to refer to within 10% of that number.

[0011]

[0018] Examples of embodiments of this disclosure include, for example, antenna assemblies used in medical devices such as dental implants and other medical implant devices. When integrating antennas into devices worn on or placed near the human body, challenges may arise due to degradation of RF signals by the human body. Because medical devices are inherently small, challenges may arise when connecting antennas to communication circuits on printed circuit boards. For example, certain medical devices (e.g., devices with a maximum length of less than approximately 20 mm) are inherently small, making it difficult to use solder to connect antennas to printed circuit boards, as the solder may be exposed to other components of the device, potentially leading to device malfunction and failure.

[0012]

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an antenna assembly may include an antenna. This antenna may be a laser direct structured (LDS) antenna, a stamped metal antenna, or other suitable antenna. The antenna may also have a shape such that it is positioned around the periphery of the device. This antenna may be positioned at least partially around the printed circuit board, such as around at least 90% of the printed circuit board, at least 80% of the printed circuit board, or at least 75% of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may include communication circuits (e.g., transmission lines, transceivers, receivers, transmitters, front-end modules, matching circuits, etc.) to facilitate the communication of information through the antenna. At least a portion of the antenna may be coplanar with the printed circuit board.

[0013]

[0020] In one embodiment, a contact fitting may be used to connect the antenna to the communication circuit. In one embodiment, the contact fitting may be an L-shaped contact fitting. The L-shaped contact fitting may have a first leg and a second leg. In one embodiment, the first leg may have a larger length dimension (e.g., the longer side) compared to the second leg. Alternatively, the first leg may have a smaller length dimension compared to the second leg, or it may have the same length dimension as the second leg. The second leg of the L-shaped contact fitting may be connected to or on a printed circuit board. The first leg of the L-shaped contact fitting may reach the antenna.

[0014]

[0021] The antenna can also be bonded to the contact fitting using conductive epoxy. In some examples, the housing of the device (e.g., a medical device) may have a cavity or recess. The cavity or recess can accommodate the conductive epoxy for bonding the antenna to the contact fitting. The conductive epoxy may, for example, be a conductive epoxy adhesive. The conductive epoxy may, for example, contain a conductive filler (e.g., particles, flakes) in the epoxy base. The conductive filler may, for example, be silver or other metals, or a conductive material.

[0015]

[0022] Conductive epoxy can be used to connect L-shaped contact fittings to the antenna, forming an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna. In some embodiments, the electrical connection can be solderless.

[0016]

[0023] In some embodiments, the antenna may be connected by at least partially penetrating the circuit board. For example, the antenna may reach at least partially into a recess (e.g., a through-hole) defined within the printed circuit board. The recess (e.g., through-hole) may contain conductive epoxy to form an electrical connection between the antenna and the communication circuit on the circuit board.

[0017]

[0024] FIGS. 1-4 show various views of an antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly may be within a housing (e.g., a housing associated with a medical device). The antenna assembly may include an LDS antenna and includes an antenna. The antenna (e.g., an LDS antenna) can partially surround a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB has a communication circuit. A contact fitting such as an L-shaped contact fitting can couple the PCB (e.g., the communication circuit) to the antenna using a conductive epoxy. The conductive epoxy can form an electrical connection between the antenna and the communication circuit (e.g., via the contact fitting). The conductive epoxy may be disposed within a cavity or depression in the housing.

[0018]

[0025] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the antenna assembly 100 as seen from above is shown. The antenna assembly 100 can be disposed within a housing 150 (e.g., within a cavity defined within the housing 150). In one embodiment, the housing 150 may be associated with a medical device. For example, the housing 150 can be embedded within a medical device such as, for example, a medical implant device. For example, the housing 150 may be associated with a dental implant. In one embodiment, the housing 150 can be a medical device such as a medical implant device such as a dental implant together with the antenna assembly 100. Thus, FIGS. 1-4 may illustrate a medical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019]

[0026] In one embodiment, the housing 150 has a length 150.1 (e.g., the long side) less than about 20 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna assembly 100 can include a circuit board 120 such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuit board 120 can include a communication circuit (e.g., a transmission line, transceiver, receiver, transmitter, front-end module, matching circuit, etc.) to facilitate communication of information through the antenna 110.

[0020]

[0027] Antenna assembly 100 further includes an antenna 110. In FIG. 1, antenna 110 is illustrated as an LDS antenna, but those skilled in the art will understand that antenna 110 may be any suitable antenna. As shown, antenna 110 can partially surround circuit board 120. Antenna 110 can also have a shape such that antenna 110 is disposed around the periphery of the device. Antenna 110 can also be at least partially disposed around circuit board 120 (e.g., a printed circuit board), such as at least 80% around circuit board 120, at least 90% around circuit board 120, or at least 75% around circuit board 120. Antenna 100 can be at least partially coplanar with circuit board 120.

[0021]

[0028] Antenna assembly 100 may further include a conductive epoxy 130. To form an electrical connection between circuit board 120 (e.g., the communication circuit of circuit board 120) and antenna 110, conductive epoxy 130 may be coupled to antenna 110. Conductive epoxy 130 may be, for example, a conductive epoxy adhesive. Conductive epoxy 130 may include, for example, a conductive filler (e.g., particles, flakes) within an epoxy matrix. The conductive filler may be, for example, silver or other metal, or a conductive material. In certain embodiments, a contact 140 (e.g., a contact fitting, an L-shaped contact fitting) may be used to couple antenna 110 to the communication circuit of circuit board 120.

[0022]

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, contact 140 (e.g., a contact fitting) may be an L-shaped contact (e.g., an L-shaped contact fitting) spanning between circuit board 120 and antenna 110. Specifically, contact 140 may reach from the bottom surface 124 of circuit board 120 to antenna 110. In certain embodiments, conductive epoxy 130 may be coupled to contact 140. For example, a conductive epoxy may be used to couple contact 140 to antenna 110.

[0023]

[0030] Referring now to Figure 3, a side view of the antenna assembly 100 is shown. As shown in Figure 3, the conductive epoxy 130 can form an electrical connection between the antenna 110 and the communication circuit 125 of the circuit board 120 (for example, via the contact 140). In one embodiment, the conductive epoxy 130 may be placed in a recess or cavity of the housing 150.

[0024]

[0031] Figure 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly 100 when cut along line 190 (Figure 1). As shown in Figure 4, the contactor 140 may include a first leg 142 and a second leg 144. The first leg 142 can be electrically coupled to the antenna 110 by conductive epoxy 130. The second leg 144 can be coupled to or on the circuit board 120. In one embodiment, the first leg 142 may have a larger length dimension 142.1 (e.g., the longer side) compared to the length dimension 144.1 of the second leg 144. In an alternative embodiment, the length dimension 142.1 of the first leg 142 may be shorter (e.g., less than) the length dimension 144.1 of the second leg 144. In another alternative embodiment, the length dimension 142.1 of the first leg 142 may be approximately the same length as the length dimension 144.1 of the second leg 144.

[0025]

[0032] As already described, a portion of the antenna 110 can be coplanar with the printed circuit board 120. In one embodiment, the antenna 110 may be defined as including a first portion 113 and a second portion 115. As shown in Figure 4, the second portion 115 of the antenna 110 can be coplanar with the circuit board 120 and the second leg 144 of the contact 140 (for example, along the length dimension 144.1). Similarly, the first portion 113 of the antenna 110 can be coplanar with the first leg 142 of the contact 140 (for example, along the length dimension 142.1). The contact 140 (for example, the first leg 142 of the contact 140) can also be bonded to the bottom surface of the second portion 115 of the antenna 110, for example, by conductive epoxy 130.

[0026]

[0033] Figures 5 to 8 show various diagrams of an antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly can be placed inside a housing (e.g., a housing associated with a medical device). The antenna assembly includes an antenna, such as a stamped metal antenna. This antenna (e.g., a stamped metal antenna) can at least partially surround a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may have recesses (e.g., through holes). At least a portion of the antenna may extend at least partially into the PCB (e.g., completely through the PCB). Conductive epoxy can form an electrical connection between the antenna and the communication circuit. Conductive epoxy may be placed inside recesses (e.g., through holes) in the PCB.

[0027]

[0034] Referring now to Figure 5, a top-down perspective view of the antenna assembly 500 is shown. The antenna assembly 500 can be housed in a housing 150 (for example, a housing associated with a medical device, a housing associated with a dental implant). In one embodiment, the housing 150 has a length 150.1 (e.g., the long side) of less than about 20 mm.

[0028]

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the antenna assembly 500 may include a circuit board 520, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuit board 520 may include communication circuits (e.g., transmission lines, transceivers, receivers, transmitters, front-end modules, matching circuits, etc.) to facilitate the communication of information through the antenna 510.

[0029]

[0036] The antenna assembly 500 further includes an antenna 510. In Figure 5, the antenna 510 is illustrated as a stamped metal antenna, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the antenna 510 may be any suitable antenna. The antenna 510 partially surrounds the circuit board 520. The antenna 510 may also have a shape such that it is positioned around the periphery of the device. The antenna 510 may also be positioned at least partially around the circuit board 520 (e.g., a printed circuit board), such as around at least 90% of the circuit board 520, at least 80% of the circuit board 520, or at least 75% of the circuit board 520. The antenna 510 may be at least partially coplanar with the circuit board 520.

[0030]

[0037] The antenna assembly 500 further includes conductive epoxy 530. To form an electrical connection between the circuit board 520 (e.g., the communication circuit of the circuit board 520) and the antenna 510, the conductive epoxy 530 can be bonded to the antenna 510. The conductive epoxy 530 may, for example, be a conductive epoxy adhesive. The conductive epoxy 530 may, for example, contain a conductive filler (e.g., particles, flakes) in the epoxy base. The conductive filler may, for example, be silver or another metal, or a conductive material.

[0031]

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing 150, together with the antenna assembly 500, can become a medical device such as a dental implant or other medical implant device. Therefore, Figures 5 to 8 may be used to illustrate a medical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032]

[0039] Referring now to Figure 6, a perspective view of the antenna assembly 500 seen from below is shown. As shown in Figure 6, the circuit board 520 may include a recess 522. The recess 522 may also be a through-hole that completely penetrates the circuit board 520. Thus, a portion 515 of the antenna 510 can at least partially penetrate the circuit board 520 in the recess 522 defined within the circuit board 520. In one embodiment, a portion 151 of the antenna 510 may completely penetrate the recess 522 defined within the circuit board 520.

[0033]

[0040] Referring now to Figure 7, a side view of the antenna assembly 500 is shown. As shown in Figure 7, the circuit board 520 of the antenna assembly 500 may include, for example, a communication circuit 525 (e.g., a transmission line, transceiver, receiver, transmitter, front-end module, matching circuit, etc.) to facilitate the transmission of information through the antenna 510. Conductive epoxy 530 can form an electrical connection between the antenna 510 (e.g., a part 515 of the antenna 510) and the communication circuit 525 of the circuit board 520. In one embodiment, conductive epoxy 530 may be placed in a recess or cavity of the housing 150 to connect the antenna 510 to the communication circuit 525. For example, the antenna 510 (e.g., a part 515 of the antenna 510) does not need to be in physical contact with the circuit board 520. To achieve this, the conductive epoxy 530 can be configured to electrically connect the antenna 510 (for example, a part 515 of the antenna 510) to the circuit board 520 (for example, the communication circuit 525 of the circuit board 520).

[0034]

[0041] Figure 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly 500 drawn along line 590 (Figure 5). As shown in Figure 8, the antenna 510 (e.g., a portion 515 of the antenna 510) can penetrate the circuit board 520 in a recess 522 defined within the circuit board 520 (e.g., at least partially penetrate, or completely penetrate). Conductive epoxy 530 is placed in the recess 522 (e.g., at least partially) so that the antenna 510 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 520. In some embodiments, the antenna 510 (e.g., a portion 515 of the antenna 510) does not need to be in physical contact with the circuit board 520. For this purpose, the conductive epoxy 530 may be configured to electrically connect the antenna 510 (e.g., a portion 515 of the antenna 510) to the circuit board 520.

[0035]

[0042] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an antenna assembly. This antenna assembly includes a circuit board having a communication circuit. This antenna assembly further includes an antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board. The antenna assembly further includes a conductive epoxy bonded to the antenna to form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna.

[0036]

[0043] In one example, the antenna is an LDS antenna.

[0037]

[0044] In one example, the antenna assembly further includes an L-shaped contact fitting that spans between the circuit board and the antenna, and conductive epoxy is bonded to the L-shaped contact fitting.

[0038]

[0045] In one example, the L-shaped contact fitting comprises a first leg and a second leg, the first leg being longer than the second leg.

[0039]

[0046] In one example, the second leg is located on the circuit board.

[0040]

[0047] In one example, the first leg reaches the antenna.

[0041]

[0048] In one example, the antenna is a stamped metal antenna.

[0042]

[0049] In one example, at least a portion of the antenna penetrates the circuit board at least partially in a recess defined within the circuit board.

[0043]

[0050] In one example, the conductive epoxy is placed in the recess, at least partially.

[0044]

[0051] In one example, the recess is a through-hole that penetrates the entire circuit board.

[0045]

[0052] In one example, the antenna assembly is located inside the enclosure.

[0046]

[0053] In one example, the housing is attached to a medical device.

[0047]

[0054] In one example, the housing is attached to the dental implant.

[0048]

[0055] In one example, the enclosure has a longer side of less than approximately 20 mm.

[0049]

[0056] Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a medical device. This medical device includes a housing. This medical device further includes an antenna assembly disposed within the housing. The antenna assembly includes a circuit board having a communication circuit. The antenna assembly further includes an antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board. The antenna assembly further includes a conductive epoxy bonded to the antenna to form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna.

[0050]

[0057] In one example, a medical device is a medical implant device.

[0051]

[0058] In one example, the medical device is a dental implant.

[0052]

[0059] In one example, the enclosure has a length dimension of less than approximately 20 mm.

[0053]

[0060] In one example, the antenna is an LDS antenna.

[0054]

[0061] In one example, the antenna is a stamped metal antenna.

[0055]

[0062] Having described in detail above specific embodiments of the subject matter, those skilled in the art will recognize that, having gained the above understanding, modifications, variations, and equivalents to such embodiments can be readily produced. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is provided as an example and not an limitation, and this disclosure does not exclude modifications, variations, and / or additional inclusions of the subject matter that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An antenna assembly, A circuit board having a communication circuit, An antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board, To form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna, a conductive epoxy bonded to the antenna is used, An antenna assembly equipped with [a specific feature].

2. An antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is an LDS antenna.

3. An antenna assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an L-shaped contact fitting extending between the circuit board and the antenna, wherein the conductive epoxy is bonded to the L-shaped contact fitting.

4. The antenna assembly according to claim 3, wherein the L-shaped contact fitting comprises a first leg and a second leg, the first leg having a longer length than the second leg.

5. An antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second leg is located on the circuit board.

6. An antenna assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first leg reaches the antenna.

7. An antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is a stamped metal antenna.

8. An antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the antenna penetrates the circuit board at least partially in a recess defined in the circuit board.

9. An antenna assembly according to claim 8, wherein the conductive epoxy is at least partially disposed in the recess.

10. The antenna assembly according to claim 8, wherein the recess is a through-hole that completely penetrates the circuit board.

11. An antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the antenna assembly is disposed within a housing.

12. An antenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein the housing is attached to a medical device.

13. An antenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein the housing is attached to a dental implant.

14. An antenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein the housing has a long side of less than about 20 mm.

15. It is a medical device, The casing and The antenna assembly located inside the aforementioned housing, The antenna assembly is equipped with, A circuit board having a communication circuit, An antenna that at least partially surrounds the circuit board, To form an electrical connection between the communication circuit and the antenna, a conductive epoxy bonded to the antenna is used, A medical device equipped with [a certain feature].

16. A medical device according to claim 15, wherein the medical device is a medical implant device.

17. A medical device according to claim 15, wherein the medical device is a dental implant.

18. A medical device according to claim 15, wherein the housing has a long side of less than approximately 20 mm.

19. A medical device according to claim 15, wherein the antenna is an LDS antenna.

20. A medical device according to claim 15, wherein the antenna is a stamped metal antenna.

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