On-Body Relay Device for Implant Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The attenuation of electromagnetic waves through human tissue weakens signal strength from smart implants to external receivers, necessitating improved on-body relay devices for effective signal relaying.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with a first slot antenna for detecting radio frequency signals from an implant and a second slot antenna for transmitting them, both with switching capabilities to alternate between active and inactive configurations, optimizing signal detection and transmission in specific frequency bands using cavity-backed slot antennas and RF-MEMS switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic waves are transmitted directly from the implant to the external receiver, then the transmission path is simple, but the signal strength is weak due to attenuation through human tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an on-body relay device as an intermediary component between the implant and external receiver. The relay device includes a first slot antenna that receives signals from the implant and a second slot antenna that transmits relayed signals to the external receiver, thereby overcoming tissue attenuation without requiring a direct transmission path
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission path is segmented into two distinct stages: first, the implant transmits to the on-body relay device worn on the patient's skin; second, the relay device transmits to the external receiver. This segmentation allows optimization of each stage independently, with the relay device positioned to minimize attenuation
2Reliability
If a single antenna is used in the relay device, then the device structure is simple, but radiation pattern diversity is limited and signal reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into two functionally distinct slot antennas: a first slot antenna optimized for receiving signals from the implant and a second slot antenna optimized for transmitting signals to the external receiver. Each antenna can be independently switched between active and inactive configurations to optimize performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability where the first and second slot antennas can be alternately activated and deactivated. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different operational modes (receiving vs. transmitting) and achieve radiation pattern diversity by selectively activating different antenna elements based on signal requirements
3Reliability
If the relay device continuously monitors and transmits signals, then real-time feedback is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between receiving and transmitting modes rather than continuous operation. The first slot antenna is activated to receive signals during specific time intervals, then switched to inactive while the second slot antenna is activated for transmission during different intervals. This periodic action maintains real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching mechanism allows the relay device to adapt its operational state based on signal requirements. The switching means can alternate between active and inactive configurations of the slot antennas, enabling real-time feedback when needed while conserving energy during periods when continuous monitoring is not critical
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 signal strength and reliability by achieving radiation pattern diversity and reducing ohmic losses in tissue, allowing efficient data relay from implants to external receivers.
Implementation Method 1
a first slot antenna for detecting radio frequency signals sent from the antenna implanted within the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
a second slot antenna for transmitting radio frequency signals to said other device located outside the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device (201) is described for relaying radio frequency signals received from an antenna implanted within a patient's body to another device located outside the patient's body, the relay device comprising a first slot antenna for detecting radio frequency signals sent from the antenna implanted within the patient's body and a second slot antenna for transmitting radio frequency signals to the other device located outside the patient's body, whereby the first and second slot antennas comprise elongated slots (209, 211) on opposite sides of a cavity (203). The signals to be transmitted by the second slot antenna are to be used to relay information conveyed by the signals detected by the first slot antenna. The relay device also comprises switching means (215, 217) for switching the first and second slot antennas between active and inactive configurations.