Multi-band Stub-tuned Antenna for Medical Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device communication technologies, such as mutual inductive coupling, are limited by short-range wireless communication due to dependence on low-frequency near-field coupling, which restricts the range and flexibility of frequency operation, necessitating multiple antenna designs for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A planar multi-band antenna configured with a folded conductive strip portion and a planar loading portion, capable of operating across multiple frequency ranges, including Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS), Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM), cellular data, and mobile phone frequencies, using printed circuit board materials and techniques to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mutual inductive coupling is used for wireless communication, then short-range communication is achieved, but communication range is limited to a few centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from low frequency (mutual inductive coupling) to higher RF frequencies, enabling extended communication range while maintaining reliability through frequency-based optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design provides multi-band operation capability, allowing a single antenna structure to function across multiple frequency ranges (MICS, ISM, cellular bands), replacing the need for multiple separate antennas
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna designs are used for different frequency ranges, then frequency versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated planar antenna structure that operates across multiple frequency bands, reducing the number of separate antenna components while maintaining broad frequency coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed with universal multi-band operation capability, where a single antenna structure supports MICS, ISM, and cellular frequency ranges through careful geometric design and dimensional optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna designs are used for different applications, then frequency adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into distinct geometric regions (folded conductive strip portions at different orientations) that can be independently optimized for specific frequency bands while being manufactured as a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The design provides universal applicability across multiple medical device communication standards (MICS, ISM, cellular bands) through a single antenna structure, eliminating the need for application-specific antenna variants
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 multi-band antenna enhances communication range and flexibility by maintaining specified frequency ranges while providing polarization diversity and improved antenna efficiency, reducing the need for multiple antenna designs and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
Low power radio frequency ('RF') electromagnetic radiation can be used to provide communication between an ambulatory or implantable medical device and another assembly
Implementation Method 2
Mutual inductive coupling can be used to provide short-range communication between an implantable medical device implanted in a body and an external assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Apparatus and techniques can include a planar antenna that can include a folded conductive strip portion coupled to a driven node of a wireless communication circuit, the folded conductive strip portion comprising at least two segments laterally offset from each other and at least partially laterally overlapping with each other, and a first region (764A) oriented along a first axis in a plane of the planar antenna and a second region (764B) oriented along a second axis in the plane of the planar antenna, the two axes and the two regions specified to provide polarization diversity of radiation from the planar antenna. The planar antenna can include a stub (762) coupled to the folded conductive strip portion, the stub configured to provide a first specified operating frequency range at or near resonance using a mode corresponding to a total physical path length along the folded conductive strip portion.