Implantable Patch Antenna Layout for Compact Header Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical devices face challenges with communication systems that are too large for the device header, requiring significant redesigns and have limited data rates and communication ranges due to the use of traditional antennas like monopole and loop antennas.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a patch antenna that fits within the device header by utilizing the housing surface as a ground plate and dielectric, allowing for smaller size and improved RF performance, with adjustable resonance frequencies and bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional antennas (monopole, loop, inverted F) are used for MICS frequency communication, then the antenna can be made to conform to header shape and route around bore holes, but the antenna size becomes large and requires header height to increase to accommodate it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna conformity to header shapeVSAvoidantenna size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna structure with the header itself by using the header as the ground plane and integrating the radiating element within the header volume. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components that extend beyond the header, thereby reducing overall antenna size while maintaining adaptability to header geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional wire-type antennas that require spatial extension in multiple dimensions to a planar patch antenna design that operates efficiently within a two-dimensional plane parallel to the header surface. This dimensional change allows the antenna to fit within the header footprint without increasing header height

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If inductive telemetry is used for communication, then the communication system can be implemented, but the distance between implanted device and extracorporal unit is limited to relatively short distance (on the order of centimeters)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from MICS (402-405 MHz) to Bluetooth Low Energy (2.4 GHz). This frequency parameter change enables the use of a patch antenna design that achieves both compact size and extended communication range, overcoming the distance limitation of inductive telemetry while maintaining reliable communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If MICS frequency band (402-405 MHz) is used for communication, then communication can be established, but the antenna size becomes large compared to the size of the header

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidantenna size relative to header

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency from MICS (402-405 MHz) to Bluetooth Low Energy (2.4 GHz). Since antenna size is inversely proportional to frequency, this parameter change reduces the antenna size by a factor of approximately 6, allowing the antenna to fit within the header while maintaining communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a planar patch antenna configuration that lies parallel to the header surface, utilizing the header's top surface as the ground plane. This dimensional arrangement allows the antenna to be contained within the header footprint, eliminating the need for the antenna to extend beyond the header boundaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 patch antenna provides enhanced communication range and efficiency in Bluetooth frequencies, reducing manufacturing complexity and accommodating various header designs without substantial redesigns.

Implementation Method 1

The patch antenna provides enhanced communication range and efficiency in Bluetooth frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A material between the patch antenna and the ground plate acts as a dielectric for the patch antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12580302B2Systems and methods for incorporating a patch antenna in an implantable medical device

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for an implantable medical device which utilizes a patch antenna for communicating with an external device. The implantable medical device includes a housing, a header, and a patch antenna formed using an RF plate and a ground plate, which may be or include a metal surface of the housing. Also, a material of the header forms a dielectric of the patch antenna.