Deployable In-Body Antenna for Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for smaller, yet functionally reliable antennas for implantable and ingestible medical devices that can operate within a living body and provide a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site, while being physiologically compatible and capable of expanding to a larger effective area for improved signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
Deployable antennas that can change configuration from a compact form to a larger effective area upon deployment in the body, integrated into a carrier composition that dissolves or erodes, allowing the antenna to expand and provide a greater surface area for signal transmission and reception, using various transmission methods such as electric field coupling, magnetic coupling, and electromagnetic radiative coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced to fit within the carrier composition, then the device can be ingested or implanted, but the signal transmission and reception effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a static compact state during ingestion to a dynamic deployed state within the body. The antenna is initially configured in a first state that fits within the carrier composition, then transforms to a second deployed state that provides adequate signal transmission effectiveness after the carrier dissolves or erodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes spatial transformation by changing its configuration from a compact form that fits within the carrier composition to an expanded three-dimensional structure within the body. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve sufficient effective area for reliable communication while maintaining the ability to be ingested or implanted.
2Reliability
If the antenna is made larger to improve signal transmission, then the signal effectiveness improves, but the device cannot be contained within the carrier composition for ingestion or implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs dynamic reconfiguration, existing in a compact first configuration that fits within the carrier composition during ingestion or implantation, then transforming to a larger second configuration that provides adequate signal transmission effectiveness after deployment in the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is nested within the carrier composition in a compact form during ingestion or implantation. After the carrier dissolves or erodes, the antenna is released and expands to its full operational size, similar to how nested dolls expand from a compact form to reveal larger structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the antenna structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the manufacturing ease improves, but the ability to achieve both compact storage and deployed functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna utilizes a flexible substrate that can be manufactured in a compact state and then deployed to form the functional antenna structure. This flexible film approach simplifies manufacturing while enabling the complex transformation from compact storage to deployed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transform from a compact manufactured state to an expanded operational state. This dynamic capability is integrated into the manufacturing process, allowing the antenna to achieve both compact storage and deployed functionality through controlled transformation after deployment.
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
Enables reliable and efficient signal transmission and reception with a larger effective area, allowing for improved functionality and compatibility within the body, enhancing the performance of implantable and ingestible medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
conductive transmission through electric field coupling utilizing uninsulated metal contacts
Implementation Method 2
magnetic coupling using an insulated coil
Implementation Method 3
electromagnetic radiative coupling using an insulated conductive structure
Data Source
AI summary
Deployable antennas for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body deployable antennas of the invention include antennas configured to go from a first configuration to a second configuration following placement in a living body, e.g., via ingestion or implantation. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.