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 dielectrics stacked in a space formed inside the body; a first conductive pattern disposed on one surface of at least one of the plurality of dielectrics; and an end part disposed at one end of the body, wherein the plurality of dielectrics form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal, the end part mediates the transmission of the second signal, and the first conductive pattern includes a dot formed in the center thereof and a plurality of patches radially extending from the dot.

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 dielectrics stacked in a space formed inside the body, a first conductive pattern disposed on at least one surface of the plurality of dielectrics, and an end portion disposed at one end of the body, wherein the plurality of dielectrics form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal, the end portion mediates transmission of the second signal, and the first conductive pattern includes a dot formed at a center and a plurality of patches extending radially from the dot.

[0009] The above plurality of patches can be arranged at equal intervals.

[0010] The above plurality of patches may be formed in the shape of a triangular plate.

[0011] The second conductive pattern may further include a second conductive pattern disposed on at least one side of the plurality of dielectrics, wherein the second conductive pattern may include a second dot formed at the center and a plurality of conductive bars extending radially from the dot.

[0012] The above plurality of challenge bars can be arranged at equal intervals.

[0013] The area of ​​the plurality of patches may be larger than the area of ​​the plurality of challenge bars.

[0014] The plurality of dielectrics may include at least one first dielectric in which the first conductive pattern is formed, and at least one second dielectric in which the second conductive pattern is formed.

[0015] The first dielectric can be placed on top of the second dielectric.

[0016] The above first dielectric can be in contact with the above end.

[0017] The second dielectrics on which the second conductive pattern is formed are plural, and the lengths of the plurality of conductive bars formed on each of the plurality of second dielectrics may be different.

[0018] The length of the plurality of conductive bars formed in each of the plurality of second dielectrics can be increased or decreased in the end-side direction.

[0019] The first and second challenge patterns can form the second signal together with the plurality of dielectrics.

[0020] The signal pin can be inserted through the bottom surface of the body into the inside of the body.

[0021] The above plurality of dielectrics may have a first via hole formed in the center.

[0022] The first and second conductors may have a second via hole formed in the center.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Fig. 1 is an assembly diagram of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a side view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a dielectric and conductive pattern as a part of the antenna device of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 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.

[0029] Figure 6 shows the experimental results on the thermal performance by operation of an antenna device with a meta structure filled inside a waveguide.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of an antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded diagram of an antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view of an antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates a dielectric and conductive pattern as a part of the antenna device (100) according to the embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] An antenna device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a body (110), a coaxial connector (120), an internal structure (130), and an end (150).

[0037] The body (110) can form the outer surface, inner surface, and bottom surface of the antenna device (100), respectively.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The z-axis (longitudinal direction, upward direction in the drawing) end of the body (110) has an opening. The opening and the inner space are defined as a space (111) defined by the body (110). The opening can 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 space (111).

[0040] The first space (111) and the portion of the body (110) surrounding the first space (111) can function as a waveguide.

[0041] 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 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 end (150).

[0042] A coaxial connector (120) can be coupled to the outer surface of the body (110).

[0043] The body (110) is formed of a metal material. For example, the body (110) may be formed of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), etc.

[0044] The coaxial connector (120) is for transmitting an electromagnetic signal and is coupled to the outer surface or lower surface of the body (110).

[0045] A coaxial connector (120) may be configured to include a signal pin (121), an insulator (122), and a housing (123).

[0046] Here, the signal pin (121) is placed inside the insulator (122), and one end can be exposed to the outside.

[0047] The signal pin (121) placed inside the insulator (122) is accommodated in the housing (123) and the end can be exposed to the outside.

[0048] The signal pin (121) can be inserted through the bottom surface of the body (110) into the inside of the body (110).

[0049] Accordingly, the signal pin (121) can transmit the first signal into the space (111). That is, the signal pin (121) can be inserted into the waveguide to transmit the first signal.

[0050] A plurality of first dielectrics (131) and second dielectrics (132) can form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal.

[0051] The signal pin (121) can be coupled in a form that penetrates the first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132).

[0052] A via hole (131a) may be formed at the center of a plurality of first dielectrics (131) and second dielectrics (132). Here, a signal pin (121) may be arranged to penetrate the via hole (131a).

[0053] The coaxial connector (120) may be an SMA (Sub-Miniature version A) connector.

[0054] The internal structure (130) is placed in the space (111), which is the inner space formed by the body (110). The internal structure (130) can be understood as being placed inside the waveguide.

[0055] The internal structure (130) may be composed of a laminated structure of a dielectric (131, 132) and a conductive pattern (141, 142), but may also include a dielectric that does not include a conductive pattern (141, 142). In the description of the present invention, a structure including a dielectric (131, 132) will be described.

[0056] The first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132) may be of the same material, but do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0057] The first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132) may be, for example, Tefron, but are not limited thereto.

[0058] A conductive pattern (141, 142) can be arranged and formed on one side of the first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132).

[0059] Here, one side of the first dielectric (131) and the second dielectric (132) may be in the longitudinal direction, the direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves, or the upward direction in the drawing.

[0060] The challenge pattern (141, 142) can form the second signal together with a plurality of dielectrics (131, 132).

[0061] The dielectrics (131, 132) in which the challenge patterns (141, 142) are arranged and formed can form a pattern in which multiple ones are stacked in the longitudinal direction. This structure can be said to be a waveguide filled with a meta structure formed inside the waveguide.

[0062] The challenge pattern (141, 142) may be formed of copper (Cu), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, an antenna device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a first conductive pattern (141) and a second conductive pattern (142).

[0064] The first challenge pattern (141) may be configured to include a dot (141a) formed in the center and a plurality of patches (141b) extending radially from the dot (141a).

[0065] Here, a plurality of patches (141b) may be arranged at equal intervals. For example, a plurality of patches (141b) may be arranged in groups of three at 120-degree intervals with respect to a dot (141a), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] The plurality of patches (141b) may be formed in the shape of a triangular plate, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] The second challenge pattern (142) may be configured to include a second dot (142a) formed in the center and a plurality of challenge bars (142b) extending radially from the dot (142a).

[0068] A plurality of challenge bars (142b) may be arranged at equal intervals. For example, a plurality of challenge bars (142b) may be arranged in groups of three at 120-degree intervals with respect to the dot (142a), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] The plurality of challenge bars (142b) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, but are not limited thereto.

[0070] Here, the area of ​​the plurality of patches (141b) is larger than the area of ​​the plurality of challenge bars (142b).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of dielectrics (131, 132) may include a first dielectric (131) in which a first conductive pattern (141) is formed, and at least one second dielectric (132) in which a second conductive pattern (142) is formed.

[0072] The first dielectric (131) may be placed on top of the second dielectric (132). Here, the first dielectric (131) may be in contact with the end (150).

[0073] There are a plurality of second dielectrics (132) on which second challenge patterns (142) are formed, and the lengths of the plurality of conductive bars (142b) formed on each of the plurality of second dielectrics (132) may be different.

[0074] For example, the length of the plurality of conductive bars (142b) formed in each of the plurality of second dielectrics (132) can be increased or decreased in the end-side direction.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a plurality of dielectrics (131, 132) may have a first via hole (131a) formed in the center.

[0076] Likewise, the first conductor (141) and the second conductor (142) may have second via holes (141c, 142c) formed in the center. Here, a plurality of second via holes (141c, 142c) may be formed at positions corresponding to the first via holes (131a).

[0077] A conductive layer can be formed on the center of both sides of the plurality of dielectrics (131, 132) and the first via hole (131a), and the plurality of dielectrics (131, 132) can be electrically connected to each other through the conductive layer.

[0078] A signal pin (121) can be inserted through a first via hole (131a) formed in the center of a plurality of dielectrics (131, 132) and a first conductor (141) and a second conductor (142) formed in the center of a plurality of second via holes (141c, 142c).

[0079] The end (150) is connected to one end of the body (110).

[0080] The end (150) is formed of a dielectric and mediates the transmission of electromagnetic wave signals.

[0081] For example, the first end (150) may include a sapphire material.

[0082] A first signal injected into space (111) by a coaxial connector (120) forms a second signal transmitted to the outside by a waveguide formed by an internal structure (130), and the second signal can be transmitted to the outside via an end (150).

[0083] Additionally, the 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.

[0084] Figure 5 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.

[0085] In structure B, the dielectric is made of Teflon.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In addition, examining the electric field distribution of Fig. 5, Structure A exhibited a strong upward electric field distribution and a weak rearward electric field distribution in the near field. This means 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.

[0090] Figure 6 shows the experimental results on the thermal performance by operation of an antenna device filled with a meta structure in a waveguide.

[0091] Figure 6a 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 ​​heating by microwaves in the pork phantom was found to be 18 mm × 14 mm, which is a very narrow and concentrated area.

[0092] Figure 6b 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.

[0093] Figure 6c 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.

[0094] The temperature rise results for pork and human face / stomach were found to be similar.

[0095]

[0096] 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

[0097]

[0098] [Table 1] compares thermal therapy using comparative examples and thermal therapy using the antenna device (100) of the present invention.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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.

[0102]

[0103] 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 dielectrics stacked in a space formed inside the body; A first conductive pattern disposed on at least one side of the plurality of dielectrics; and Including a section disposed at one end of the above body, The above plurality of genetic materials form a second signal transmitted to the outside in response to the first signal, The above-mentioned section mediates the transmission of the second signal, The above first challenge pattern is Dots formed in the center; and comprising a plurality of patches extending radially from the above dot; Antenna device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple patches Arranged at equal intervals Antenna device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above multiple patches It is made up of a triangular plate shape. Antenna device.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a second conductive pattern disposed on at least one side of the plurality of dielectrics, The above second challenge pattern is A second dot formed in the center; and comprising a plurality of challenge bars extending radially from the above dot; Antenna device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above multiple challenge bars are Arranged at equal intervals Antenna device.

6. In paragraph 5, The area of ​​the above plurality of patches is larger than the area of ​​the above plurality of challenge bars. Antenna device.

7. In paragraph 4, The above multiple genomes are At least one first dielectric on which the first challenge pattern is formed; and At least one second dielectric material in which the second challenge pattern is formed Antenna device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above first genome Placed on the upper part of the second dielectric Antenna device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first dielectric is in contact with the above end Antenna device.

10. In paragraph 7, The second dielectric on which the second challenge pattern is formed is plural, The lengths of the plurality of conductive bars formed in each of the plurality of second dielectrics are different. Antenna device.

11. In paragraph 8, The length of the plurality of conductive bars formed in each of the plurality of second dielectrics increases and decreases in the end direction. Antenna device.

12. In paragraph 4, The above first and second challenge patterns are Forming the second signal together with the plurality of genetic materials Antenna device.

13. In paragraph 1, The above signal pin is Penetratingly inserted into the inside of the body from the bottom surface of the body Antenna device.

14. In paragraph 4, The above multiple genomes are The first via hole is formed in the center. Antenna device.

15. In paragraph 14, The first and second conductors above A second via hole is formed in the center. Antenna device.

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