Dual-Function Helix Antenna for Endoscope Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face limitations in depth of insertion and trauma during gastrointestinal tract diagnosis, while wireless endoscopes require efficient wireless data communication and energy transfer within the human body, necessitating an antenna design that balances antenna efficiency, omni-directional radiation, and compliance with human body regulations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-functional helix antenna designed on a flexible liquid crystalline polymer substrate, capable of operating at both MHz and kHz frequencies for wireless communication and energy transfer, with a CMOS-based voltage regulator for stable power management, allowing for compact and efficient endoscope operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless endoscope is used to avoid trauma and improve depth of insertion, then patient comfort and diagnostic capability are improved, but efficient wireless data communication and energy transfer within the human body becomes necessary, requiring complex antenna design
Solution Approach 1:
The helix antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a communication antenna for data transmission and a power transfer antenna for energy delivery. By integrating both functions into a single antenna structure, the patent reduces the number of components needed while achieving efficient wireless communication and power transfer within the human body environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the communication and power transfer functions into a single integrated antenna system. The helix antenna structure is designed to operate at multiple frequencies simultaneously, merging what would traditionally require separate antennas into one unified component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If antenna efficiency and omni-directional radiation are optimized for wireless communication, then communication performance is improved, but compliance with human body regulations and safety standards becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The helix antenna is designed with specific geometric parameters (turns, diameter, pitch, length) that are optimized to achieve resonant frequencies in the MHz range for both communication and power transfer. By carefully controlling these parameters, the antenna achieves efficient omni-directional radiation while maintaining electromagnetic field levels that comply with human body safety regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The helix antenna's three-dimensional coiled structure provides inherent omni-directional radiation characteristics. The curved, multi-turn geometry distributes the electromagnetic radiation uniformly in all directions, improving communication reliability while the compact volumetric shape helps concentrate the electromagnetic energy within a small region, reducing exposure to surrounding tissues.
3Volume of moving object
If dual frequency operation (MHz and kHz) is implemented in a single antenna, then device compactness is improved, but antenna design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helix antenna is engineered to operate at multiple frequency ranges (MHz for communication and kHz for power transfer) simultaneously through its geometric design. The same physical structure supports both frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing overall device volume while maintaining dual-frequency functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system dynamically adapts its operating frequency based on the required function. The helix structure's electrical characteristics allow it to resonate at different frequencies depending on the excitation signal, enabling the same physical structure to switch between communication and power transfer modes as needed.
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 helix antenna achieves efficient wireless communication and power transmission, minimizing battery size and extending endoscope operation, while ensuring compliance with human body regulations and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna can be tuned for a predefined radio frequency, e.g., 400 MHz, for wireless communications
Implementation Method 2
The antenna can also serve as an inductive element for near-field wireless power transmission, e.g., at 150 kHz
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are provided for a helix antenna with dual functionality, in one embodiment, among others, a helix antenna includes a flexible substrate and a copper trace disposed on a side of the flexible substrate at a tilting angle (Θ). Turns of the helix antenna are formed from the copper trace by wrapping the flexible substrate. In another embodiment, a system includes a helix antenna, a radio frequency (RF) communication circuit coupled to a first end of the helix antenna, and a low frequency (LF) power transmission circuit coupled to the first end of the helix antenna. The RF communication circuit can process RF signals received by the helix antenna and the LF power transmission circuit can regulate LF voltage induced in the helix antenna.