Antenna on Implantable Device Cover for RF Signal Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) with conductive housings face challenges in wireless communication due to signal blocking or attenuation by the housing, particularly when a communication antenna is located within the conductive housing.
Innovation Solution
The IMD includes an antenna coupled to a cover that substantially closes an opening in the housing, with the antenna being electrically coupled to the communication circuitry, and featuring a slot antenna configuration with a conductive region on each side of the slot and feedthroughs to enhance radio frequency signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is located within the conductive housing, then the device structure is compact and simple, but the radio frequency signals are blocked or attenuated by the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the interior of the conductive housing and positioned on the exterior surface. This separation removes the antenna from the harmful electromagnetic environment inside the housing while maintaining device compactness. The antenna is coupled to the housing exterior through a dielectric member that provides electrical connection without requiring the antenna to be inside the conductive enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
A dielectric member is introduced as an intermediary between the antenna and the conductive housing. This dielectric member provides the necessary electrical connection while electrically isolating the antenna from the conductive housing, preventing signal attenuation and allowing the antenna to function effectively on the housing exterior.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is made conductive for shielding purposes, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but signal transmission through the housing is blocked or attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the interior space where it would be affected by the conductive housing's shielding properties. By positioning the antenna on the exterior surface, the solution maintains the beneficial electromagnetic shielding of the conductive housing while eliminating the harmful signal attenuation that would occur if the antenna were inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna configuration transitions from a three-dimensional placement within the housing volume to a two-dimensional placement on the housing surface. This dimensional change allows the antenna to utilize the housing exterior as its mounting surface, bypassing the signal blocking issue while maintaining structural integration.
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 configuration improves communication performance by allowing radio frequency signals to pass through the housing effectively, reducing signal attenuation and enhancing the IMD's ability to communicate with external devices at various frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is electrically coupled to the communication circuitry... improves communication performance by allowing radio frequency signals to pass through the housing effectively
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes a housing. An opening is present in the housing. The implantable medical device includes communication circuitry in the housing. The implantable medical device includes a cover coupled to edges of the housing defining the opening to substantially close the opening. The implantable medical device also includes an antenna coupled to the cover. The antenna is electrically coupled to the communication circuitry.