Multi-directional Transmitter for In-body Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable and ingestible medical devices face challenges in transmitting signals reliably due to their small size and the need for multi-directional transmission to ensure detection, especially when positioned relative to a receiver.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-directional transmitters for in-body devices that can emit signals in at least two different directions in an x-y plane, activated by contact with physiological sites, using electrochemical reactions and integrated circuits to generate and transmit identifying signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single-direction transmitter is used in implantable devices, then the device size can be minimized, but the signal detection reliability deteriorates due to positional uncertainty relative to the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements (at least two) that can transmit signals in different directions simultaneously or sequentially. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a compact size while achieving multi-directional signal transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between minimized device volume and improved signal detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-directional (one-dimensional) transmission to multi-directional (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) transmission by incorporating multiple antenna elements oriented in different spatial directions. This dimensional expansion enables the transmitter to overcome positional uncertainty and improve detection reliability without significantly increasing device volume.
2Reliability
If multiple transmitters are used to achieve multi-directional transmission, then signal detection reliability improves, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are merged into a single integrated transmitter unit with shared control circuitry and power supply. This merging approach enables multi-directional transmission while avoiding the complexity and size increase that would result from using completely separate transmitter units, thus resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can transmit signals in multiple directions using the same basic transmission mechanism and control system. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve reliable detection from various positions without requiring separate specialized transmitters for each direction, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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
Enhances the likelihood of signal detection by receivers, regardless of device position, and allows for unique identification of ingestible event markers, improving the reliability and functionality of in-body medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
signal transmitters configured to transmit an identifying signal in at least two different directions in an x-y plane
Implementation Method 2
activated by contact with physiological sites, using electrochemical reactions and integrated circuits to generate and transmit identifying signals
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-directional transmitters for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body multi-direction transmitters of the invention include signal transmitters configured to transmit an identifying signal in at least two different directions in an x-y plane. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.