Animal Tracking Module Using Body as Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for animals or humans using RF signals face significant attenuation when the antenna is internal, leading to weak signal strength, and external antennas are prone to damage, with higher frequencies exacerbating the issue due to increased absorption and diffraction in the body.
Innovation Solution
A tracking module integrated with the ordnance uses a portion of the animal's body as an antenna, particularly the blood system, operating at lower frequencies to minimize signal loss, and includes a release mechanism for the module to remain inside the body, providing location and physiological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is internal to the animal, then the tracking module is protected from damage, but the RF signal is attenuated by the body making it too weak to track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from higher frequencies (used in medical implants) to lower frequencies (e.g., 162-167.5 MHz agricultural band). Lower frequencies experience less absorption and diffraction by body tissues, reducing signal attenuation while maintaining internal antenna protection. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between protection and signal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of body tissues (which attenuate RF signals) into a beneficial use by employing the animal's body itself as part of the antenna system. The blood system and body tissues, which normally absorb and diffract RF energy, are utilized as the radiating element, transforming the attenuation problem into a functional antenna medium that extends signal range.
2Volume of moving object
If higher frequency RF signals are used, then the antenna size is smaller, but signal absorption and diffraction by body tissues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from higher frequencies (915 MHz, 2.45 GHz) to lower frequencies (162-167.5 MHz). This parameter change increases wavelength and reduces absorption by body tissues. The body-as-antenna approach compensates for the larger physical dimensions required at lower frequencies, maintaining compact form factor while reducing energy loss.
3Loss of energy
If signal power is increased to overcome attenuation, then tracking range is improved, but battery drain becomes too great and signal may become illegally strong
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the body's RF-absorbing properties into a beneficial antenna medium. By using the body tissues and blood system as the radiating element, the system achieves extended tracking range without increasing transmitter power. The body itself becomes the signal amplifier, eliminating the need for high-power transmission and reducing battery consumption while maintaining legal signal levels.
4Loss of energy
If the antenna is external to the animal, then the signal strength is sufficient, but the antenna can be rubbed off or damaged by animal movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the antenna inside the animal rather than outside. This inversion protects the antenna from mechanical damage while maintaining signal strength through the innovative use of body tissues as the radiating element. The internal placement eliminates the vulnerability to rubbing off or breaking that plagues external antennas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances RF signal efficiency and reliability, allowing for effective tracking over longer periods with reduced battery drain and minimal signal attenuation, while ensuring the module remains functional within the body.
Implementation Method 1
A tracking module integrated with the ordnance uses a portion of the animal's body as an antenna, particularly the blood system, operating at lower frequencies to minimize signal loss
Implementation Method 2
Existing tracking systems for animals or humans using RF signals face significant attenuation when the antenna is internal, leading to weak signal strength, and external antennas are prone to damage, with higher frequencies exacerbating the issue due to increased absorption and diffraction in the body
Data Source
AI summary
An ordnance usable against a living body, the ordnance having a tracking module with a transmitter that can use at least a portion of the body as an antenna. In preferred embodiments, the tracking module is releasably coupled to a carrier, and a pointed tip is disposed on at least one of the tracking module and the carrier. The module preferably includes a circuit that provides location information to the transmitter, and optionally provides additional information, including at least one of motion, compass, pressure, oxygen, and heart beat information. Transmission can occur at any suitable interval, including for example, at least three times during a ten minute period. The transmitter can optionally transmit a no heart beat signal, failure signal, and/or low battery signal. Preferred systems include a receiver that can send an interrogation signal, and the ordnance can include an interrogation receiving circuit for receiving interrogation signals.