External BLE Antenna Layout for Hermetic Metal IMD Telemetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical devices (IMDs) with traditional headers face challenges in RF communication due to metal enclosures shielding RF signals, limiting data transfer rates and requiring large antennas, which complicates redesigns and increases device size.

Innovation Solution

An all metal enclosed IMD with an external Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, where the antenna is spaced apart from the metal wall and encased in dielectric material, allowing RF telemetry communication while maintaining a hermetic seal and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional separate header with internal antenna is used, then RF communication is possible, but the device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF communication capabilityVSAvoidheader structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is extracted from the traditional header structure and placed externally on the metal can. The header is eliminated entirely, with the antenna mounted directly on the can exterior, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining RF communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna mounting structure is merged with the metal can itself, using the can as the mounting surface and ground reference. This eliminates the need for a separate header component and reduces overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a traditional header with wire antenna is used, then RF communication is achieved, but the header size and overall device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF communication capabilityVSAvoidheader area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna design transitions from a three-dimensional wire structure to a two-dimensional printed circuit board trace antenna. This planar antenna layout conforms to the can surface and significantly reduces the space required compared to traditional wire antennas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is designed to conform to the curved surface of the cylindrical can, utilizing the can's geometry to achieve compact antenna integration without requiring a large flat mounting area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If an all metal enclosed design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but RF communication is shielded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidRF communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two functional zones: the metal can enclosure for electronics protection and the external antenna zone for RF communication. This segmentation allows the metal can to maintain its shielding function while the external antenna provides RF capability without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If inductive telemetry is used in all metal enclosed IMD, then RF shielding is avoided, but data transfer rate is limited and communication distance is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive coupling mechanism is replaced with electromagnetic radiation-based RF communication. The external antenna radiates RF signals that can be received at a distance, replacing the near-field inductive coupling with far-field electromagnetic communication for higher data rates and extended range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient RF telemetry communication within a compact, all metal enclosed IMD, supporting higher data rates and flexible antenna design without the need for large headers, improving practicality and patient convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna is encased in a dielectric material. The dielectric material occupies a space between the antenna and the metal wall.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric isolation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

The can includes a lead connector assembly, electronics, and a metal wall defining a hermetic sealed compartment.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Implementation Method 3

The antenna is electrically connected to the electronics via an RF conductor of the feedthrough.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11779772B2All metal enclosed implantable medical device with external BLE antenna for RF telemetry

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

An implantable medical device including a can, a feedthrough and an antenna assembly. The can includes a lead connector assembly, electronics, and a metal wall defining a hermetic sealed compartment. The electronics and lead connector assembly are located in the hermetic sealed compartment. The feedthrough extends through the metal wall between the hermetic sealed compartment and exterior the metal wall. The antenna assembly includes an antenna extending along the metal wall in a spaced-apart manner from the metal wall and encased in a dielectric material. The dielectric material occupies a space between the antenna and the metal wall. The antenna is electrically connected to the electronics via an RF conductor of the feedthrough.