Implantable Sensor Housing Segmentation for Wireless Signal Integrity

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable wireless sensing devices face interference and performance issues due to the Faraday-cage effect and mechanical stresses caused by metallic anchors, which affect the range and quality of wireless communications and the accuracy of physiological parameter monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly design with a housing that separates the transducer and antenna from the anchoring means, using a distinct housing portion for attachment that does not encase the transducer or antenna, thereby minimizing interference from metallic anchors and reducing mechanical stresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic anchors are used to secure the sensing device, then the device is firmly anchored within the body, but the Faraday-cage effect interferes with wireless communication and tele-powering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidwireless communication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two distinct portions: a first housing portion that interfaces with and is secured by the metallic anchor, and a second housing portion that contains the transducer and antenna. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide secure anchoring while the separated second housing portion remains free from Faraday-cage interference, enabling reliable wireless communication and tele-powering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If metallic anchors are used to secure the sensing device, then the device is firmly anchored within the body, but mechanical stresses induce drift in the sensing device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidphysiological parameter measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two distinct portions: a first housing portion that interfaces with and is secured by the metallic anchor, and a second housing portion that contains the transducer and antenna. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide secure anchoring while the separated second housing portion remains free from Faraday-cage interference, enabling reliable wireless communication and tele-powering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the transducer and antenna are enclosed in a single housing with the anchor, then the device structure is simplified, but interference and mechanical stresses adversely affect device operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing structure complexityVSAvoiddevice operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two distinct portions: a first housing portion that interfaces with and is secured by the metallic anchor, and a second housing portion that contains the transducer and antenna. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide secure anchoring while the separated second housing portion remains free from Faraday-cage interference, enabling reliable wireless communication and tele-powering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer and antenna are extracted from the anchor interface region and placed in a separate second housing portion. This extraction removes the sensitive electronic components from the vicinity of the metallic anchor, eliminating both Faraday-cage interference and mechanical stress transmission, thereby ensuring reliable device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances the operational reliability and accuracy of implantable wireless sensing devices by maintaining the integrity of wireless communications and reducing signal drift, allowing for effective long-term monitoring of physiological parameters within the body.

Implementation Method 1

metallic vascular closure devices can have a Faraday-cage effect on a wireless sensing device that can adversely affect the range and quality of tele-powering or wireless communications of the sensing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday-cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10687709B2Implantable sensing devices and anchoring methods therefor

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 UIM PRESSURE IMPLANT INC

AI summary

Implantable wireless sensor assemblies and methods for monitoring physiological parameters within living bodies. Such sensor assembly includes a sensing device with a housing having an internal cavity, a transducer and electrical circuitry within the cavity, and an antenna that is within the cavity or outside the housing. The sensor assembly further includes a housing portion in which the transducer, the electrical circuitry, and the antenna are not located, and anchoring elements for securing the sensing device within a living body. The housing portion is separately formed and directly attached to a distal end of the housing, or is integrally formed as a discrete region of the housing at the distal end thereof. The anchor elements surround a coupling feature of the housing portion but does not surround the transducer or the antenna of the sensing device.