Implantable NFC Electrode Layout for Blind-Angle Misalignment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In implantable medical devices, antenna misalignment due to miniaturization and the difficulty of precise placement during medical procedures can lead to interrupted or unstable communication, especially in body channel communication networks where accurate alignment is crucial for effective signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a near field communication system with a receiving implantable device equipped with two pairs of electrodes positioned at 180 degrees from each other to cover the blind angle of the transmitting device's radiation pattern, allowing for detection and correction of antenna misalignment without interrupting communication, using a processing unit to analyze signal parameters and adjust them to ensure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced to minimize device size, then device size is reduced and comfort is improved, but antenna alignment accuracy deteriorates and communication stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is divided into multiple antenna elements (first and second antennas) positioned at different orientations. Each antenna element handles specific spatial directions, collectively providing 360-degree coverage without requiring any single antenna to be large or precisely aligned
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple antenna elements serve universal reception functions across all spatial directions. The system can receive signals from any orientation through at least one antenna element, making the receiving device adaptable to any transmitting device orientation without requiring precise alignment
2Ease of operation
If antenna orientation is fixed during implantation, then device placement is simplified, but communication stability deteriorates due to natural body movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static single-antenna alignment to dynamic multi-antenna adaptation. The receiving device continuously evaluates signal parameters from multiple antenna elements and adapts its reception strategy based on current spatial relationships, maintaining communication stability despite body movements
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures signal parameters (amplitude, phase, polarization) from multiple antenna elements and uses this feedback to determine optimal reception strategies. This closed-loop approach allows the system to compensate for misalignment and maintain stable communication
3Power
If signal transmission power is increased to overcome misalignment, then communication range is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing transmission power, the system changes reception parameters by utilizing multiple antenna elements with different orientations. The receiving device optimizes signal reception by selecting or combining signals from antennas that are optimally oriented relative to the transmitting device, maintaining communication effectiveness without increasing power consumption
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 ensures stable communication between implantable devices by detecting and correcting antenna misalignment, maintaining connectivity regardless of antenna orientation, and allowing for continuous operation without increasing device size, thus minimizing discomfort and ensuring daily life continuity.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication system with a receiving implantable device equipped with two pairs of electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an implantable device (104) for detecting an antenna misalignment with respect to a transmitting implantable device (102) in a near field communication system (100), the implantable device (104) comprising: an antenna unit (112) configured to receive signals through a body channel (106) from the transmitting implantable device (102); and the antenna unit (112, 202) comprising at least two pairs of electrodes (116, 218) configured to cover a blind angle of a radiation pattern of the transmitting implantable device; a processing unit (114, 204) electrically coupled to the antenna unit (112, 202) and configured to detect the antenna misalignment of the at least two pairs of electrodes (116) with respect to the transmitting implantable device (102). The invention also relates to a method for detecting an antenna misalignment and near field communication network (100).