Implantable Antenna Using Layered Trace for Header Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable pulse generators (IPGs) face space constraints in their headers, limiting the size and communication capabilities of antennas due to the presence of numerous components, necessitating the development of compact antenna assemblies suitable for these limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an antenna assembly with a dielectric antenna body and an antenna trace distributed across multiple transverse layers, utilizing capacitive features to reduce capacitive coupling and enhance communication capabilities within the IPG header, while maintaining a long antenna length and using biocompatible materials for the antenna and mounting arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the header includes numerous components such as lead connectors and feedthrough pins, then the connector assembly is complete and functional, but the available space for the antenna is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is embedded within the header structure by integrating it with the connector assembly. The antenna trace is formed on the connector assembly or within the header housing, nesting the antenna function within the existing component structure rather than adding separate antenna space.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes three-dimensional space within the header by forming the antenna trace across multiple layers or surfaces of the connector assembly. This allows the antenna to extend in vertical or diagonal dimensions rather than only horizontal plane, effectively using available volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna length is increased to improve communication capabilities, then wireless communication performance is enhanced, but the antenna requires more space within the header
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna trace extends across multiple layers or surfaces of the connector assembly, utilizing vertical and diagonal dimensions to achieve longer effective antenna length within the constrained horizontal footprint of the header.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is formed as a trace that can follow complex pathways across different connector components, segments of the trace distributed across various layers or surfaces, collectively forming a long effective antenna length through segmented routing.
3Area of stationary object
If the antenna is made compact to fit within the header, then space constraints are satisfied, but communication capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compact antenna design achieves sufficient communication capability by utilizing three-dimensional space across multiple layers and surfaces, allowing the antenna trace to maintain effective length and radiation pattern while fitting within the limited header volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design optimizes communication parameters such as trace width, spacing, and dielectric material properties to maintain effective radiation and impedance matching despite the compact form factor, ensuring adequate communication performance within constrained dimensions.
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 allows for effective wireless communication within the IPG header by optimizing antenna design to accommodate space constraints, ensuring reliable data transmission and device functionality despite limited space, and adhering to biocompatibility standards.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna trace disposed within the antenna body and arranged in a plurality of transverse trace layers
Implementation Method 2
enabling wireless communication between the electrical circuitry of the IPG and external computing devices
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an implantable electronic device including a housing containing an electrical circuit. The implantable electronic device further includes an antenna assembly coupled to the electrical circuit. The antenna assembly includes an antenna including a dielectric antenna body within which an antenna trace is disposed. Portions of the antenna trace are disposed in offset transverse layers in a non-overlapping arrangement, thereby reducing capacitive coupling between the layers of the antenna trace. In certain implementations, the antenna assembly includes one or more capacitive features that selectively overlap portions of the antenna trace and facilitate tuning of the antenna.