Antenna device

Abstract

The present invention provides an antenna device, comprising: a body; a signal pin coupled to the body to transmit a first signal to the inside of the body; a plurality of first dielectrics stacked in a first space formed inside the body; a first conductive pattern disposed on one surface of at least one of the plurality of first dielectrics; and a first end portion disposed at one end of the body, wherein the plurality of first dielectrics form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal, the first end portion mediates transmission of the second signal, and the first conductive pattern includes two horizontal bars spaced apart from each other and disposed in parallel, and at least one bridge connecting the two horizontal bars.

Description

antenna device

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device.

[0002] Radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia focuses on raising the temperature of the target area to above 45°C. When the temperature reaches 45°C, collagen in the dermal layer is stimulated, tightening the skin.

[0003] Skin tightening technology focuses on generating heat in the dermis layer, approximately 2 to 4 mm deep.

[0004] However, most studies on RF hyperthermia have focused on tumor ablation or using electrodes to emit electromagnetic fields, which are highly ineffective.

[0005] The use of microwaves in skin tightening treatments has been shown to be effective in minimizing discomfort. However, the problem lies in their large effective area. Because microwaves spread widely, focusing on the target area becomes difficult, and there's a risk of unintended temperature increases.

[0006] Previous studies on RF hyperthermia technologies for skin tightening have used electrodes that generate electromagnetic fields. Electrodes for generating electromagnetic fields are advantageous for designing small, portable devices. However, many of these designs do not consider impedance matching, resulting in impedance mismatch issues that require higher power or longer treatment times to achieve the desired skin-tightening temperatures.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an antenna device that can apply an electromagnetic field concentrated on a specific area and is miniaturized to enhance convenience in using thermal therapy.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides an antenna device including a body, a signal pin coupled to the body and transmitting a first signal to the inside of the body, a plurality of first dielectrics stacked in a first space formed inside the body, a first conductive pattern disposed on at least one surface of the plurality of first dielectrics, and a first end disposed at one end of the body, wherein the plurality of first dielectrics form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal, the first end mediates transmission of the second signal, and the first conductive pattern includes two horizontal bars spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel and at least one bridge connecting the two horizontal bars.

[0009] The antenna device of the present invention may further include a second conductive pattern formed in a frame shape and arranged on at least one surface of the plurality of first dielectrics.

[0010] The plurality of first dielectrics may include at least one 1-1 dielectric in which the first conductive pattern is formed, and at least one 1-2 dielectric in which the second conductive pattern is formed.

[0011] The above 1-1 dielectric can be placed on top of the above 1-2 dielectric.

[0012] Any one of the above 1-1 dielectrics can be in contact with the first end.

[0013] The size of the above-mentioned 1-1 genome may be larger than that of the above-mentioned 1-2 genome.

[0014] The first and second challenge patterns can form the second signal together with the plurality of first dielectrics.

[0015] The signal pin can be inserted into the inside of the body in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first dielectric.

[0016] A via hole may be formed in the center of at least one of the plurality of first dielectrics.

[0017] The above signal pin can pass through the above via hole.

[0018] The antenna device of the present invention further includes a second dielectric disposed below the plurality of first dielectrics, and the first dielectric and the second dielectric can be filled in the first space.

[0019] The present invention has the effect of increasing convenience in using thermal therapy by miniaturizing the device while allowing an electromagnetic field to be applied concentrated to a specific area.

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded view (left) and an assembled view (right) of an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a part of the antenna device of the first embodiment, with respect to the stacking of dielectrics and the conductive pattern.

[0022] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a part of the antenna device of the second embodiment, with respect to the stacking of dielectrics and the conductive pattern.

[0023] Figure 6 shows the internal connection structure of the body's connector.

[0024] Figure 7 shows the first space and the second space of the body.

[0025] Figure 8 compares an antenna device with a meta structure filled inside a waveguide, a structure filled only with a dielectric instead of an internal structure, and a structure filled only with empty air without an internal structure, all at the same size.

[0026] Figure 9 shows the experimental results on the thermal performance by operation of an antenna device with a meta structure filled inside a waveguide.

[0027] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0028] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 1 is an exploded view (left) and an assembled view (right) of an antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a part of the antenna device (100) of the first embodiment, with respect to the stacking of a dielectric and a conductive pattern, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a part of the antenna device (100) of the second embodiment, with respect to the stacking of a dielectric and a conductive pattern, FIG. 6 illustrates an internal connection structure of a connector of a body (110), and FIG. 7 illustrates a first space (111) and a second space (112) of the body (110).

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, an antenna device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] An antenna device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a body (110), a coaxial connector (120), an internal structure (130), a first end (150), and a second end (160).

[0034] The body (110) can form the outer and inner surfaces of the antenna device (100), respectively.

[0035] The outer and inner surfaces of the body (110) have the outer surface shape of a square pillar, and the outer and inner surfaces can be connected to have a certain thickness.

[0036] The body (110) has a first opening at both ends along the z-axis (longitudinal direction, upward direction in the drawing). The first opening and the inner space are defined as a first space (111) defined by the body (110). The first opening may be formed to have a size corresponding to the area of ​​the first dielectric (131) or the first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132) arranged in the first space (111).

[0037] The first space (111) and the portion of the body (110) surrounding the first space (111) can function as a waveguide.

[0038] A mounting groove (113) may be formed at one end of the z-axis of the body (110). The mounting groove (113) provides a space in which the first end (150) can be mounted, and a portion of the body (110) surrounding the outside of the mounting groove (113) defines the horizontal plane position of the first end (150).

[0039] A second end (160) can be coupled to the z-axis end of the body (110).

[0040] The z-side other end of the body (110) may include not only the first opening but also a second opening. The second opening may be connected to a second space (112) that can be filled with coolant.

[0041] A coaxial connector (120) can be coupled to the outer surface of the body (110).

[0042] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view (a) of a portion of an antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a structure (a) and a cross-section (b) of a body (110) separated by a dotted line. In reality, the body (110) may be a structure in which separated structures are continuously connected.

[0043] The body (110) can be divided into a first zone (114), a second zone (115), and a connecting portion (116).

[0044] The first zone (114) forms a first space (111) therein. The first space (111) can function as a waveguide together with the inner surface of the first zone (114).

[0045] The second zone (115) is formed in a similar shape to the first zone (114), but is formed with a larger length and thickness.

[0046] A second space (112) in the shape of a moat can be formed between the first zone (114) and the second zone (115).

[0047] The first zone (114) and the second zone (115) can be connected by a connecting portion (116).

[0048] The outer surface of the first zone (114), the inner surface of the second zone (115), and the outer surface of the connecting portion (116) together define a second space (112). The second space (112) may have a cross-section in the shape of the letter 'ㄷ' having a thickness of approximately 100 nm in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The 'ㄷ' shape may be smoothly connected in a curve when the direction is changed, and the end may be formed in a shape that slightly protrudes toward the connecting portion (116).

[0049] The upper end of the second space (112) is closed by the upper surface of the body (110), and the lower end is mostly closed by the second end (160). However, the inlet (161) and outlet (162) included in the second end (160) form a flow path leading from the outside to the second space (112).

[0050] The second space (112) is formed to a position adjacent to the first end (150) at the top so that the heat transferred from the first end (150) can be transferred to the cooling water filled in the second space (112) through the upper surface of the body (110).

[0051] In summary, the first zone (114) of the body (110) can be understood as a part for defining a waveguide, and the second zone (115) can be understood as a part for defining a cooling structure of the antenna device (100) by forming a fluid flow path.

[0052] The cooling structure of the present invention has the effect of transferring not only the heat transferred from the first end (150), but also the heat that may be generated in the internal structure (130) during the transmission of radio waves to the cooling water filling the second space (112). Accordingly, the antenna device (100) of the present invention has excellent effects not only in terms of safety during use but also in terms of durability.

[0053] The body (110) is formed of a metal material. For example, the body (110) may be formed of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), etc.

[0054] The coaxial connector (120) is for transmitting an electromagnetic signal and is coupled to the outer surface or lower surface of the body (110).

[0055] The coaxial connector (120) includes a signal pin (121), and the signal pin (121) penetrates into the inside of the first space (111) to transmit a first signal. That is, the signal pin (121) can be inserted into the inside of the waveguide to transmit the first signal.

[0056] A plurality of first genetic elements (131) can form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal.

[0057] The signal pin (121) can be coupled in a form that penetrates the first dielectric (131) or the first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132). For coupling, a through hole (133) can be formed in the first dielectric (131) or the second dielectric (132).

[0058] The signal pin (121) can penetrate into the inside of the body (110) and be inserted into the through hole (133) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first dielectric (131).

[0059] Unlike the drawing, a via hole may be formed in the center of at least one of the second dielectric (132) and the plurality of first dielectrics (131). Here, the signal pin (121) may be arranged to penetrate at least one via hole.

[0060] Some of the plurality of first dielectrics (131) located on the first end (150) side may not have via holes formed, and in this case, the signal pin (121) is arranged to penetrate only the second dielectric (132) in which the via holes are formed and the remaining portion of the plurality of first dielectrics (131).

[0061] The coaxial connector (120) may be an SMA (Sub-Miniature version A) connector.

[0062] The internal structure (130) is placed in the first space (111), which is an inner space formed by the body (110). The internal structure (130) can be understood as being placed inside the waveguide.

[0063] The internal structure (130) may be composed of a laminated structure of a first dielectric (131) and conductive patterns (141, 142), but may also include a second dielectric (132) that does not include a conductive pattern (141, 142). In the description of the present invention, a structure including the second dielectric (132) will be described.

[0064] The first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132) may be of the same material, but do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0065] The first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132) may be, for example, Tefron, but are not limited thereto.

[0066] A conductive pattern (141, 142) can be arranged and formed on one side of the first dielectric (131).

[0067] Here, one side of the first dielectric (131) may be in the longitudinal direction, the direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves, or the upward direction in the drawing.

[0068] The challenge pattern (141, 142) can form the second signal together with a plurality of first dielectrics (131).

[0069] The first dielectric (131) in which the challenge patterns (141, 142) are arranged and formed can form a pattern in which multiple patterns are stacked in the longitudinal direction. This structure can be said to be a waveguide filled with a meta structure formed inside the waveguide.

[0070] The challenge pattern (141, 142) may be formed of copper (Cu), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0071] The second dielectric (132) may be disposed between the second end (160) and the first dielectric (131). Since the second dielectric (132) does not include a conductive pattern (141, 142) structure, it does not need to be laminated in a pattern and may be formed as a single layer. The second dielectric (132) occupies the remaining space in the first space (111) excluding the space occupied by the first dielectric (131) and the conductive pattern (141, 142).

[0072] The challenge pattern (141, 142) may be configured to include a first challenge pattern (141) and a second challenge pattern (142).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the first challenge pattern (141) may be configured to include two horizontal bars (141a) spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel, and at least one bridge (141b) connecting the two horizontal bars (141a) (a, b).

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first conductive pattern (141) may include a first-first conductive pattern (a) having one bridge (141b) and a first-second conductive pattern (b) having two bridges (141b). Here, the spacing between two horizontal bars (141a) of the first-first conductive pattern (a) may be smaller than the spacing between two horizontal bars (141a) of the second conductive pattern (a).

[0075] Additionally, the 1-1 challenge pattern (a) and the 1-2 challenge pattern (b) may have different sizes. Here, the size of the 1-1 challenge pattern (a) may be smaller than the size of the 1-2 challenge pattern (a).

[0076] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second conductive pattern (142) may be formed in a frame shape (c). Specifically, the second conductive pattern (142) may be formed with a certain thickness along a square or rectangular border. However, the shape is not necessarily limited to this shape, and various second conductive patterns (142) may be formed, such as a ring shape, a triangle shape, a semicircle shape, etc.

[0077] The size of the second challenge pattern (142) can be formed by gradually increasing in the direction of the first end (150).

[0078] The plurality of first dielectrics (131) may include at least one first-first dielectric (131a) on which a first conductive pattern (141) is formed, and at least one first-second dielectric (131b) on which a second conductive pattern (142) is formed.

[0079] The size of the 1-1 genome (131a) may be larger than that of the 1-2 genome (131b).

[0080] The first-first dielectric (131a) may be placed on top of the first-second dielectric (131b). Here, one of the first-first dielectrics (131a) may be in contact with the first end (150).

[0081] For example, the first-second dielectric (131b) is composed of two layers and is placed on top of a plurality of first-first dielectrics (131a) that are stacked, and the first-first dielectric (131a) placed on the uppermost layer can be in contact with the first end (150).

[0082] Here, the first-1 dielectric (131a) placed on the uppermost layer may have a first conductive pattern ((a) of FIG. 3 or (a) of FIG. 5) formed, and then the first-1 dielectric (131a) placed on the upper layer may have a first conductive pattern ((b) of FIG. 3 or (b) of FIG. 5) formed.

[0083] The plurality of first dielectrics (131) may include dielectrics in which the conductive patterns (141, 142) are not formed, and in this case, a via hole may not be formed in the first dielectric (131).

[0084] A conductive layer can be formed on the center of both sides and the via hole of the first dielectric (131), and a plurality of first dielectrics (131) can be electrically connected to each other through the conductive layer.

[0085] The second challenge pattern (142) may be a thin film filled between small and large rectangles.

[0086] The second conductive pattern (142) may be arranged on one side of the first-second dielectric (131b) so that its center of gravity is the same as that of the first-second dielectric (131b) so as not to be biased toward either the first or second direction. Alternatively, the second conductive pattern (142) may be arranged on one side of the first-second dielectric (131b) so as to be biased toward either the first or second direction.

[0087] The first end (150) is connected to one end of the body (110).

[0088] The first end (150) is formed of a dielectric and mediates the transmission of electromagnetic wave signals.

[0089] For example, the first end (150) may include a sapphire material.

[0090] A first signal injected into a first space (111) by a coaxial connector (120) forms a second signal transmitted to the outside by a waveguide formed by a first zone (114) and an internal structure (130), and the second signal can be transmitted to the outside via a first end (150).

[0091] Additionally, the first end (150) can come into direct contact with human skin when the antenna device (100) of the present invention is used as a heating device.

[0092] The second end (160) can be coupled to the body (110) in a form that closes the other end of the body (110). However, the second end (160) defines a passage with the second space (112) formed inside the body (110) including the inlet (161) and the outlet (162).

[0093] Figure 8 compares an antenna device with a meta structure filled in a waveguide (structure A), a structure filled only with a dielectric instead of a meta structure (structure B), and a structure filled only with empty air without a meta structure (structure C) at the same size.

[0094] In structure B, the dielectric is made of Teflon.

[0095] The C structure had a resonant frequency of about 12 GHz, the B structure had a resonant frequency of 6.4 GHz, and the A structure had a resonant frequency of 2.45 GHz. It can be seen that the antenna device (100) including the metastructure requires a smaller resonant frequency in the same size, or a smaller size to achieve the same resonant frequency.

[0096] Waveguides containing metastructures can be designed to be miniaturized by reducing their size by 98.8% compared to waveguides filled only with air to achieve the same resonant frequency.

[0097] This miniaturized design means that the antenna device (100) can be usefully applied in a realistic size to RF treatment or treatment systems, such as high-frequency thermal devices.

[0098] Furthermore, examining the electric field distribution in Fig. 8, Structure A exhibited a strong upward electric field distribution and a weak rearward electric field distribution in the near field. This indicates that when the present invention is used as a heating device, the heating effect is limited to one direction, ensuring not only the therapeutic effect but also the safety of the user or practitioner.

[0099] Figure 9 shows the experimental results on the thermal performance by operation of an antenna device filled with a meta structure in a waveguide.

[0100] Figure 9a shows the surface temperature of pork at various operating powers and times. The antenna device (100) was connected to an RF generator with a frequency of 2.45 GHz by a coaxial connector (120). The antenna device (100) was positioned 4 mm above the pork phantom, and the temperature sensor was positioned 4 mm below the pork skin surface, respectively. The effective area of ​​microwave heating in the pork phantom was found to be 18 mm × 14 mm, which is a very narrow and concentrated area.

[0101] Figure 9b compares the simulated and measured temperatures at a location 4 mm below the skin surface. The simulation was performed using the Sim4Life platform, applying a human face model, while the measured results were for pork, as described in Figure 13a. In the human model simulation, temperatures were increased by 35.4°C and 11.6°C, respectively, within 60 seconds using RF powers of 80 W and 20 W, respectively.

[0102] Figure 9c shows the results of thermal therapy using an antenna device (100) on a human face (top) and stomach (bottom). The subject was a 27-year-old male, and the antenna aperture was positioned 5 to 8 mm away from the face / stomach. The RF input was 2.45 GHz and 20 W. The face / stomach temperature before thermal therapy was approximately 32°C, but after 60 seconds, the temperature of the target area increased to approximately 45°C.

[0103] The temperature rise results for pork and human face / stomach were found to be similar.

[0104]

[0105] Classification Type Frequency (GHz) Invasiveness Power (W) Temperature increase (time required) Target Comparison Example 1 Monopole 2.45 Invasive 2.5 10 ℃ (1500 s) Deep irradiation Comparison Example 2 Dipole 0.434 Non-invasive 5 10 ℃ (3600 s) Shallow tumor Comparison Example 3 Electrode 0.448 Non-invasive 200 1 1.1 ℃ (600 s) Subcutaneous fat Comparison Example 4 Electrode 0.001 Non-invasive 65 10 ℃ (180 s) Skin tightening Example Metamaterial 2.45 Non-invasive 20 / 80 1 1.6 / 3 5.4 ℃ (60 s) Skin tightening

[0106]

[0107] [Table 1] compares thermal therapy using comparative examples and thermal therapy using the antenna device (100) of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to [Table 1], when 2.45 GHz and low power of 2.5 W were used for deep tumor treatment using an invasive method, a relatively long time of 1500 s was required for a temperature increase of 10 ℃ (Comparative Example 1), and a non-invasive method for shallow tumor treatment required more time (Comparative Example 2).

[0109] In the case of electrode hyperthermia therapy using a relatively high power of 200 W as a non-invasive method, the temperature could be raised by about 10°C in a relatively short time of 600 s (Comparative Example 3), and in the case of using 65 W of power, the temperature could be raised by about 10°C in 180 s (Comparative Example 4).

[0110] In comparison, the antenna device (100) of the present invention can raise the temperature of only a narrow target area by 11.6°C or 35.4°C within 60 seconds with a low power of 20 W or 80 W, and thus it can be seen that it has the fastest and most efficient heating performance compared to comparative examples.

[0111]

[0112] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Claims

1. Body; A signal pin coupled to the body and transmitting a first signal to the inside of the body; A plurality of first dielectrics stacked in a first space formed inside the body; A first conductive pattern disposed on at least one side of the plurality of first dielectrics; and comprising a first end disposed at one end of the above body, The plurality of first genetic elements form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal, The above first end mediates the transmission of the second signal, The above first challenge pattern is Two horizontal bars arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart; and At least one bridge connecting the two horizontal bars Antenna device.

2. In paragraph 1, A second conductive pattern arranged on at least one side of the plurality of first dielectrics and formed in a frame shape An antenna device further comprising:

3. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of first genomes At least one first-first dielectric on which the first challenge pattern is formed; and At least one first-second dielectric layer is formed on which the second challenge pattern is formed. Antenna device.

4. In paragraph 3, The above 1-1 genome Placed on the upper part of the above 1-2 dielectric Antenna device.

5. In paragraph 3, Any one of the above 1-1 dielectrics is in contact with the first end. Antenna device.

6. In paragraph 3, The size of the above 1-1 genome is larger than that of the above 1-2 genome. Antenna device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above first and second challenge patterns are Forming the second signal together with the plurality of first genetic materials Antenna device.

8. In paragraph 1, The above signal pin is Penetrating into the inside of the above body and inserted in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first dielectric Antenna device.

9. In paragraph 1, A via hole is formed in the center of at least one of the plurality of first dielectrics. Antenna device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above signal pin passes through the above via hole. Antenna device.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a second dielectric disposed below the plurality of first dielectrics, The first dielectric and the second dielectric are filled in the first space. Antenna device.

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