Wireless MEMS Biosensor Using RF Power Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable biosensors rely on batteries for power, which are bulky, have short lifespans, and pose health risks due to hazardous materials, necessitating the development of battery-free power solutions for long-term implantation and frequent invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of radio frequency (RF) energy to power and communicate with implantable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices coated with analyte-binding technology, enabling wireless measurement and communication of molecular analyte levels without batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to power implantable biosensors, then the device can operate continuously, but the device size increases and lifespan decreases due to battery capacity limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component entirely from the implantable sensor system. Instead of using electrochemical batteries, the system employs wireless RF power transfer to deliver energy inductively through the skin to an implanted coil, which then powers the sensor electronics without requiring any internal battery
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both the receiving antenna for wireless power transfer and the inductive coupling element for wireless data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery, power management, and communication components that would increase device size
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend device lifespan, then the device can operate longer, but the device becomes larger and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery component entirely from the system, replacing it with an external RF power source that transmits energy wirelessly through the skin to an implanted coil. This eliminates the volume constraint imposed by battery capacity while providing unlimited operational duration limited only by the external power source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the power source from the implanted dimension (internal battery) to the external dimension (external RF transmitter). This dimensional shift allows the implant to be extremely small since it only contains passive receiving components, while the power source resides outside the body where size is not constrained
3Power
If batteries with hazardous materials are used, then the device can be powered, but patient safety is compromised due to toxic substances like mercury or cadmium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all electrochemical battery components containing hazardous materials (mercury, cadmium, lithium, etc.) from the implantable device. The system is powered entirely by wireless RF energy transfer, eliminating any source of toxic substance leakage or contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful RF electromagnetic radiation, which is commonly associated with potential health risks, into a beneficial power source. By using RF energy at controlled power levels for wireless power transfer, the system eliminates the need for toxic batteries while utilizing electromagnetic energy in a safe and controlled manner
4Reliability
If batteries are replaced frequently to maintain device functionality, then continuous operation is ensured, but invasive surgical procedures must be performed more often
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the replaceable battery component that necessitates periodic surgical intervention. The system uses a permanent implant with wireless power transfer, where the external RF transmitter can be used indefinitely without requiring any surgical replacement of power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation without requiring external intervention for maintenance. The implanted sensor continuously monitors analytes and the external RF transmitter continuously or periodically powers the device and retrieves data, eliminating the need for surgical battery replacements
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
This approach allows for a compact, long-lasting, and safe biosensor system that reduces invasive procedures by harnessing RF energy to power and transmit data from implantable MEMS devices, enhancing the stability and precision of molecular analyte monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency (RF) energy to power and communicate with implantable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices
Implementation Method 2
the use of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device capable of converting physicochemical changes in the environment into an electrical signal that can carry information
Implementation Method 3
MEMS devices coated with analyte binding technology
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless molecular sensor methods and systems integrate radio frequency (RF) technology to interrogate, power, operate and/or readout signals corresponding to levels of molecules of interest from microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) implanted within the body. Various alternative embodiments are disclosed.