Implantable Patch Antenna Layout for Header Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless implantable medical devices face challenges with large antenna sizes due to the need for high-frequency communication, leading to impractical designs and limited data transfer rates, especially when trying to fit within a device header.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a patch antenna that utilizes the housing surface as a ground plate and header material as a dielectric, allowing for a smaller form factor and improved manufacturing feasibility, enabling efficient Bluetooth Low Energy communication within the device header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a patch antenna is used for Bluetooth Low Energy communication, then the antenna size can be decreased significantly, but the antenna must be enclosed within the device header which limits the available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna ground plane with the device housing metal surface, eliminating the need for a separate ground plate. This integration allows the antenna to be formed within the confined header space by using the existing housing structure as part of the antenna assembly, thereby reducing the total area required while maintaining antenna functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal housing surface serves dual purposes: it acts as both the structural housing for the device and the ground plane for the patch antenna. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and allows the antenna to fit within the device header by reusing existing structural elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If monopole or loop antennas are used for MICS frequency communication, then the antenna can be made to conform to the header shape, but the antenna size becomes relatively large and may require header height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using wire-type antennas that extend in multiple dimensions to a planar patch antenna configuration that lies flat within the header plane. By changing the antenna geometry to a two-dimensional patch structure, the design accommodates the header shape constraints without requiring increased header height, while maintaining adaptability to the housing surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wire type antennas are used for MICS communication, then the antennas are versatile and can conform to header shapes, but any changes to the header require significant or complete antenna redesigns
Solution Approach 1:
The metal housing surface serves as a universal ground plane that can accommodate different patch antenna configurations without requiring changes to the fundamental antenna structure. This universality allows the same basic patch antenna design to work with various header shapes and sizes, reducing the need for complete redesigns when header specifications change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for easy adjustment of antenna parameters such as patch dimensions, feed location, and ground plane configuration by simply modifying the printed circuit board layout or metal plate dimensions, rather than redesigning the entire antenna structure. This parameter-based adjustment maintains versatility while reducing design complexity.
4Area of moving object
If the antenna is placed on the broad side of the housing, then the patch antenna size can be accommodated, but manufacturing feasibility and durability of the exposed antenna are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is merged with the header structure by integrating the ground plane with the housing and enclosing the antenna elements within the header. This integration eliminates the need for separate antenna mounting procedures and protects the antenna components during manufacturing and implantation, thereby improving manufacturing feasibility and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are nested within the header assembly, with the patch antenna and ground plane integrated into the existing housing structure. This nesting approach protects the antenna components while maintaining compact dimensions, and allows for streamlined manufacturing where the antenna is formed as part of the header assembly process rather than as a separate component.
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 configuration results in a smaller antenna profile with enhanced RF performance and communication range, reduced manufacturing complexity, and easier tuning of critical parameters like frequency and impedance, while maintaining durability and protection from external elements.
Implementation Method 1
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication operating at 2.40-2.48 GHz has been found to be a reliable means of RF communication in implantable medical devices
Implementation Method 2
In between the two plates is a dielectric material
Data Source
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.