Header Antenna Layout for IMD Charging and RF Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) typically require two separate antennas for data communications and charging, complicating design, increasing cost, and facing signal attenuation issues due to conductive case materials, which affects communication distances and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single antenna structure within the IMD's non-conductive header, capable of operating in both far-field RF data communications and near-field magnetic charging modes using a time multiplexing scheme, eliminates the need for separate antennas and reduces signal attenuation by positioning the antenna in a non-conductive header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate antennas are used for data communications and charging, then both functions can be performed, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and charging functions into a single antenna structure. The antenna includes a first portion for far-field RF data communications and a second portion for near-field magnetic charging, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the first portion handles far-field RF data communications while the second portion handles near-field magnetic charging. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the antenna system
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate antennas are used for data communications and charging, then both functions can be performed, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and charging functions into a single antenna structure. The antenna includes a first portion for far-field RF data communications and a second portion for near-field magnetic charging, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the first portion handles far-field RF data communications while the second portion handles near-field magnetic charging. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the antenna system
3Device complexity
If antenna is positioned in conductive case material, then device structure is simplified, but signal attenuation increases and communication distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna from the conductive case material and positions it in a non-conductive header. This extraction eliminates the signal attenuation problem caused by conductive materials while maintaining structural integrity through the non-conductive header housing
4Reliability
If separate filtering circuitry is used to prevent interference between data and charging modes, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna into distinct portions: a first portion for far-field RF data communications and a second portion for near-field magnetic charging. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to operate with minimal interference, reducing or eliminating the need for complex filtering circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data communication and charging functions into a single antenna structure. The antenna includes a first portion for far-field RF data communications and a second portion for near-field magnetic charging, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both functionalities
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
This solution simplifies the IMD design, reduces costs, and enhances communication distances and efficiency by using a single antenna for both data communications and charging without the need for complex filtering circuitry, while maintaining biocompatibility and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna is operable in a second mode to receive a near-field magnetic charging field to power the IMD
Implementation Method 2
the antenna is operable in a first mode for far-field radiofrequency (RF) data communications with an external system
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device is disclosed having a single antenna structure in its header capable of receiving power from an external charger by near-field magnetic induction, and capable of communicating data with an external communication system by far-field radio frequency (RF) waves. The antenna structure preferably comprises a stamped conductive sheet and is generally loop shaped. The antenna in one example includes end connections and a center connection which acts as an RF feed, although the antenna may also have just two connections. An algorithm operable at least in the IMD can if necessary time multiplex the data and charging operations of the antenna and can configure the IMD's circuitry to operate in either a charging mode or a data communications mode.