Implant Lead Antenna Decoupling for Reliable RF Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in integrating antennas for communication with external devices in a cost-efficient and electrically reliable manner, often requiring separate components and complex interconnections.
Innovation Solution
The antenna is integrated into an electrical line connecting the electrode arrangement and electronics module, using a single wire that is decoupled by a decoupling element to form a separate communication frequency range, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antenna components and complex interconnections are used, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna function with the existing electrical line (lead) that connects the electrode arrangement to the electronics module. The electrical line is configured to serve dual purposes: transmitting physiological signals and functioning as an antenna for wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a signal transmission conduit for physiological signals and as an antenna for wireless communication. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure without compromising communication performance
2Reliability
If separate antenna components are used, then communication function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna function is merged into the existing electrical line structure, eliminating the need for separate antenna components. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining effective wireless communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical line is designed to serve multiple functions including signal transmission and wireless communication, reducing the total component count and simplifying the manufacturing process. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional antenna-specific manufacturing steps and reduces overall production complexity
3Volume of moving object
If antenna is placed close to other conductive components, then device volume is reduced, but antenna operation is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical line is segmented into different functional sections: a first line section that serves as the antenna and a second line section that connects to the electrode arrangement. A decoupling element is introduced between these sections to electrically isolate the antenna function from other conductive components, allowing the antenna to operate reliably while maintaining a compact device volume
Solution Approach 2:
A decoupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna section and other conductive parts of the electrical line. This decoupling element prevents electromagnetic interference and signal coupling between the antenna and other components, allowing the antenna to function reliably in a compact configuration without disruption from nearby conductive structures
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 approach results in a simpler, cost-effective structure with reliable communication signals, utilizing a single wire antenna that operates efficiently in the desired frequency range without interfering with physiological signals.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna (12) for transmitting and/or receiving communication signals for establishing a communication with an external communication device
Implementation Method 2
a first line section (140) of the electrical line (14) forms the antenna (12), wherein the line section (140) of the electrical line (14) associated with the antenna (12) is decoupled from another, second line section (141) of the electrical line (14) by means of a decoupling element (142)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An implantable medical device (1) comprises an electronics module (11) comprising communication circuitry (110) for at least one of transmitting communication signals to and receiving communication signals from an external communication device (2), and further comprising processing circuitry (112) for at least one of processing sensed biological signals and generating stimulation signals for emission. An electrode arrangement (13) serves for at least one of sensing said biological signals of a patient and emitting said stimulation signals. An electrical line (14) extends in between the electronics module (11) and the electrode arrangement (13), wherein the electrical line (14) comprises a first line section (140), a second line section (141) and a decoupling element (142), the first line section (140) being electrically decoupled at RF frequencies from the second line section (141) by the decoupling element (142) and forming an antenna (12) for at least one of transmitting and receiving said communication signals.