Skin-Mounted RF Antenna Array for Implant Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for monitoring physiological properties, such as blood flow and oxygen saturation, face challenges in efficient power transfer and communication with implanted sensors due to varying tissue conditions and distances, leading to suboptimal data accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A reader device with an array of antenna coils is mounted on the skin surface to electromagnetically couple with implanted sensors, optimizing power transfer and data communication by selecting the most efficient coil based on alignment and distance, and using light emitters to provide optical power and illumination for improved sensor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna coil is used for power transfer and communication, then the device structure is simple, but the power transfer efficiency and communication reliability deteriorate due to varying tissue conditions and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna into multiple separate antenna coils arranged in an array. Each antenna coil can be independently controlled and selected based on its coupling efficiency with the implanted device. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying tissue conditions and distances by activating only the most effective antenna coil, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and power transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that continuously evaluates the coupling efficiency between the implanted device and multiple antenna coils. The system dynamically switches between different antenna coils based on real-time conditions such as tissue depth, movement, and coupling variability. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal power transfer efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If the implanted device is placed deeper in tissue, then the device can be positioned for optimal physiological measurement, but the electromagnetic coupling and power transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple antenna coils at different spatial positions and orientations within the array. When the implanted device is positioned deeper in tissue, the system can select antenna coils that are specifically oriented or positioned to maintain optimal electromagnetic coupling at greater depths. This segmentation strategy allows the system to preserve both measurement precision and power transfer efficiency regardless of implantation depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna array by selecting different antenna coils based on the depth and position of the implanted device. The system adjusts which antenna coils are active and at what power levels, thereby adapting to varying depths while maintaining efficient power transfer and accurate physiological measurements.
3Reliability
If multiple antenna coils are used to optimize power transfer, then the power transfer efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna coils into a single integrated array structure that functions as one unified system. The antenna coils share common support structures, wiring harnesses, and control electronics, which reduces the overall complexity increase that would result from having completely separate antenna systems. This merging approach allows the system to achieve improved power transfer efficiency while minimizing the added device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed with multi-functionality, where the same array structure serves both power transfer and communication functions. Additionally, the array can adapt to different implantation scenarios and tissue conditions, making it a universal solution that justifies the increased complexity through its versatility and improved reliability across various operating conditions.
4Measurement precision
If continuous communication with implanted sensors is maintained, then the physiological monitoring accuracy improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles between the reader device and implanted sensors rather than continuous communication. The system can adjust the communication frequency and duty cycle based on the selected antenna coil's coupling efficiency. When optimal coupling is achieved, communication can be more frequent; when coupling is poor, the system can reduce communication frequency to conserve energy while maintaining adequate monitoring accuracy through data interpolation or event-triggered updates.
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 accuracy and reliability of physiological parameter monitoring by optimizing electromagnetic coupling and power transfer, allowing for continuous and efficient communication with implanted sensors, even at varying depths and tissue conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an array of antenna coils that span a specified area and that have respective degrees of electromagnetic coupling with an antenna of the implanted device
Implementation Method 2
a light emitter configured to provide illumination that can be received by the light sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A reader device includes an array of antenna coils configured to electromagnetically couple with devices implanted beneath or within skin of a human body. An implanted device can include a loop antenna or other means configured to couple with at least one antenna coil of the reader device to receive radio frequency energy from and transmit radio frequency transmissions to the reader device. The antenna coil array is configured to mount to the skin surface to improve the coupling between the implanted device and coils of the array. Further, the reader device is configured to select one or more antenna coils of the array and to operate the selected antenna coil to communicate, via radio frequency transmissions, with and/or provide radio frequency power to the implanted device. An antenna coil of the array can be selected based on a detected amount of coupling with the implanted device.