Capsule Antenna Layout for Stable In-Body Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule devices face challenges in stable signal transmission due to the complex and dynamic environment within the human body, including signal absorption and frequency deviation caused by varying tissue compositions and the presence of metal components like batteries, which affect the antenna field.
Innovation Solution
A capsule device design featuring a shell with a frame that separates the cavity into regions to house the antenna module and power supply unit, using a flexible substrate antenna module with a specific layout and positioning structures to minimize interference, and a control module to activate optimal antenna units based on calibration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna module is placed inside the capsule device shell, then the device can transmit signals wirelessly, but the signal transmission stability deteriorates due to the complex and dynamic environment inside the human body
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule device is divided into multiple functional regions using a frame structure. The frame partitions the internal cavity into distinct zones: a first region housing the power supply unit and a second region accommodating the antenna module. This segmentation isolates the antenna from interfering components while maintaining compact integration within the capsule device.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame employs an asymmetric design where the center of the second circle (power supply region) deviates from the center of the first circle (antenna region). This asymmetric offset positioning optimizes the spatial relationship between the antenna and power supply unit, reducing electromagnetic interference and improving signal transmission stability in the complex human body environment.
2Ease of operation
If metal parts like batteries are included in the capsule device, then the device can function as a powered sensor, but the antenna field is affected by the metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit (metal battery component) is extracted from the antenna region and placed in a separate first region defined by the frame structure. This spatial extraction removes the harmful electromagnetic interference from the antenna field while maintaining the necessary functional integration of the powered sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as an intermediary element between the power supply unit and the antenna module. This intermediate structure provides physical separation and electromagnetic shielding, mediating the interaction between the metal battery and antenna to minimize field interference while maintaining device compactness.
3Volume of moving object
If the capsule device is made compact to fit in the human body, then the device can be swallowed and moved through organs, but the available space for antenna placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization within the compact capsule volume. By defining regions based on cylindrical coordinates (first circle and second circle with offset centers), the design efficiently packs the antenna and power supply units in different spatial zones, maximizing signal transmission reliability within the constrained volume suitable for swallowing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The capsule device includes a shell having a cavity, a frame disposed in the shell, a circuit board, an antenna module, and a power supply unit. The cavity has a cross section of a first circle. The frame is configured to divide the cavity into at least a first region and a second region. The first region has a cross section at least including a second circle. The center of the second circle deviates from the center of the first circle and away from the second region. The circuit board is arranged in the cavity and includes a senser module. The antenna module is coupled with the circuit board and arranged at the second region. The power supply unit is coupled with the circuit board and arranged at the first region.