Microwave Antenna Array for Asymmetric Internal Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive diagnostic techniques for detecting internal conditions in the body, such as intracranial bleeding or stroke, are limited by their inability to accurately and sensitively diagnose conditions pre-hospitally, often requiring invasive methods like CT or MRI, which are not suitable for portable or continuous monitoring, leading to delayed treatment and potential lethality.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing symmetrically positioned antenna pairs to transmit and receive microwave signals, detecting internal objects based on dielectric property differences, allowing for non-invasive, portable, and continuous monitoring of internal conditions by analyzing asymmetries in microwave signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT or MRI systems are used for detecting intracranial bleeding, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase making them unsuitable for pre-hospital use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT/MRI) with a microwave-based detection system that uses electromagnetic waves to detect internal objects. The microwave system uses transmitting and receiving antennas to send and receive microwave signals through the body, detecting changes in dielectric properties caused by internal objects like blood clots, thereby achieving diagnostic capability without large mechanical imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex CT/MRI systems by isolating the signal detection and processing components. The microwave system focuses only on transmitting signals and detecting reflections/scatterings from internal objects, separating this core function from the bulky imaging hardware of CT/MRI systems, enabling portable pre-hospital deployment.
2Measurement precision
If CT systems are used for continuous monitoring, then diagnostic capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases making it unsafe for continuous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for detection from ionizing radiation (X-rays in CT) to non-ionizing microwave electromagnetic waves. This parameter change allows continuous monitoring without cumulative radiation exposure, as microwaves do not carry the same biological hazards as ionizing radiation, while still providing diagnostic capability through detection of dielectric property changes in tissues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional non-invasive techniques are used for pre-hospital diagnosis, then patient safety is improved, but diagnostic accuracy decreases creating blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the asymmetry in microwave signal scattering patterns caused by internal objects to achieve detection. By analyzing differences in microwave signal reflections and scatterings from symmetric antenna positions, the system can identify asymmetric objects like blood clots or tumors within the body, providing diagnostic accuracy that overcomes the limitations of conventional non-invasive techniques while maintaining patient safety.
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
Enables accurate and timely detection of internal objects and changes within the body, facilitating early intervention in medical emergencies and providing reliable, low-cost, non-invasive diagnostics suitable for pre-hospital settings and various applications, including monitoring of stroke and internal bleeding.
Implementation Method 1
The system is adapted to transmit one microwave signal or multiple microwave signals into the body from at least one of the antennas in the system
Implementation Method 2
The transmitted microwave signals are reflected and/or scattered from the internal object
Implementation Method 3
The transmitted microwave signals are reflected and/or scattered from the internal object
Implementation Method 4
The system is further adapted to compare the received microwave signals at the symmetrically positioned antennas, and to detect the internal object or a change in an already detected internal object when there is a difference between the received microwave signals at symmetric antenna pairs. The difference is related to the different dielectric properties between the internal object and the body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for detecting an internal object in a body. The system includes at least one antenna pair including two antennas which are adapted to be symmetrically positioned around the body in relation to a line of symmetry. The system is adapted to transmit microwave signal into the body which are reflected and/or scattered from the internal object. The system is adapted to receive the reflected and/or scattered microwave signals, and to compare the received microwave signals at the symmetrically positioned antennas. The system is adapted to detect the internal object or a change in an already detected internal object when there is a difference between the received microwave signals at symmetric antenna pairs. The difference is related to the different dielectric properties between the internal object and the body.