Flexible Antenna Capacitor Design for Implanted Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring physiological data from implanted sensors, such as those used for abdominal aortic aneurysms, face challenges with flexible antenna durability and the need for frequent data retrieval, as conventional antennas can break under patient weight and require costly, risky procedures for leak detection, and patients must frequently visit hospitals for data processing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible antenna system with a conductive material mounted on a flexible substrate, featuring a transmit loop and receive loop with integrated capacitors, allowing for patient-controlled data acquisition and transmission to a remote server over a network, enabling patients to obtain and manage data without hospital visits, and includes features like self-diagnostic capabilities and shielding to reduce environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible antenna is used to allow patient movement and comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the antenna may break under patient weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible substrate (such as a flexible circuit board or thin film) to support the antenna elements. This allows the antenna to bend and flex with patient movement while maintaining structural integrity and preventing breakage, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional CT procedures are used for leak detection, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to radiation exposure and contrast risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the mechanical/chemical CT scanning system with a wireless electromagnetic sensing system. The implanted sensor detects leaks through electromagnetic fields and wireless communication, eliminating the need for radiation and contrast agents while maintaining detection capability.
3Loss of information
If patients frequently visit hospitals for data retrieval, then loss of information is reduced, but loss of time increases due to travel and waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by enabling patients to retrieve their own physiological data using a portable reader device. The wireless sensor stores data locally, and patients can independently access it without requiring hospital visits, thus reducing time loss while maintaining information availability.
4Manufacturing precision
If soldered capacitors are used in the antenna to reduce mismatch losses, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates as solder joints may break under flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using flexible substrates and alternative mounting methods (such as reflow soldering, conductive adhesives, or rigid-flex circuits) that can withstand repeated flexing without joint failure. This maintains manufacturing precision while preventing the reliability issues associated with traditional soldered connections under flexing conditions.
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 flexible antenna system allows patients to safely and efficiently communicate with implanted sensors from various angles, reduces the need for hospital visits, and provides accurate, remote data management, enhancing patient convenience and medical personnel access to critical data.
Implementation Method 1
The transmit loop is adapted to propagate energizing signals to the implanted sensor
Implementation Method 2
The receive loop is adapted to detect a response signal from the implanted sensor
Implementation Method 3
The capacitance of the circuit varies with the pressure of the environment in which the sensor is located and thus, the resonant frequency of the circuit varies as the pressure varies
Implementation Method 4
The resonant frequency of the circuit can be used to calculate pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a system for obtaining, processing and managing data from an implanted sensor. In some embodiments, a patient or other persons can use a flexible antenna to obtain data from the implanted sensor. The flexible antenna includes at least one transmit loop and at least one receive loop. The transmit loop is adapted to propagate energizing signals to the implanted sensor. The receive loop is adapted to detect a response signal from the implanted sensor. The transmit loop includes a capacitor formed by a discontinuous area. The capacitor is adapted to allow the loop to be tuned. The flexible antenna can communicate with a patient device that collects the data from the implanted sensor, creates a data file and transmits the data file to a remote server over a network. A physician or other authorized person may access the remote server using an access device.