Biocompatible High-k Composite for Implantable Antenna Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
High dielectric constant ceramics used in antennas and other applications are often not biocompatible, limiting their use in medical devices, and biocompatible options like titanium dioxide offer limited range of dielectric constant values.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible high dielectric constant composite material is developed by dispersing conductive or semi-conductive filler particles, such as titanium, within an electrically insulating material, with an insulating coating to prevent conduction between particles, allowing for a high volume concentration without creating a conductive path, suitable for implantable medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high dielectric constant ceramics are used to achieve high dielectric constant values, then the dielectric constant is improved, but biocompatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials combining conductive filler particles (such as titanium, aluminum, or their oxides) dispersed in an electrically insulating polymer matrix (such as polyurethane, polyethylene, or silicone). This composite structure achieves high dielectric constant values while maintaining biocompatibility, as the polymer matrix provides the biocompatible environment and the conductive particles provide the high dielectric constant.
2Reliability
If biocompatible ceramics like titanium dioxide are used to ensure biocompatibility, then biocompatibility is improved, but the range of dielectric constant values deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the composite material by varying the type, size, shape, and volume concentration of conductive filler particles, as well as the properties of the insulating polymer matrix. This allows tuning of the dielectric constant across a wide range while maintaining biocompatibility, overcoming the limitation of fixed dielectric constant values in pure biocompatible ceramics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high volume concentration of filler particles is used to increase dielectric constant, then the dielectric constant is improved, but conductive path formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating polymer matrix as an intermediary between conductive filler particles. This matrix prevents direct contact between particles, blocking conductive path formation even at high volume concentrations, while still allowing the composite to achieve high dielectric constant values through the polarized electric fields around the particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality differences by using particles with insulating coatings or oxidized surfaces (such as titanium oxide coating on titanium particles). This local insulating layer prevents electron transfer between particles while maintaining the high dielectric constant effect, allowing high particle concentrations without conductive path formation.
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
The composite material provides a high dielectric constant suitable for implantable medical devices, reducing antenna size and improving matching with body tissues, while ensuring biocompatibility and low dielectric losses, thus enhancing device performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive or semi-conductive filler comprising filler particles dispersed within an electrically insulating material
Implementation Method 2
the filler particles of the present invention may comprise an electrically insulating coating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a composite material with a high dielectric constant. In certain embodiments, the composite material of the invention is biocompatible and is used in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable antenna, probe, sensor or electrode. In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a biocompatible conductive or semi-conductive filler comprising filler particles dispersed within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. The filler particles may comprise an electrically insulating coating.