Skin-Coupled Patch Antenna With Impedance-Matching Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antennas for near-field radiation of millimeter waves have low efficiency and testability issues due to mismatched impedance with human skin, and their mechanical integration into devices like bracelets is suboptimal.
Innovation Solution
The antenna is designed with an impedance-matching element, such as a polycarbonate radome, to adapt the impedance to skin impedance, and is divided into smaller modules for improved mechanical fit and efficiency, using flexible connections and reduced components like ASICs and antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the antenna is designed to radiate millimeter waves towards air using classical protocols, then the antenna can be tested with standard test procedures, but the impedance mismatch with human skin causes low transmission efficiency and high energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an impedance-matching element as an intermediary between the antenna and human skin. This element has an impedance value intermediate between that of air and human skin, serving as a transition medium that gradually adapts the impedance. This resolves the contradiction by reducing transmission loss through the impedance mismatch problem without requiring fundamental redesign of the antenna radiation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and adjusting the impedance value, thickness, and material properties of the impedance-matching element. By optimizing these parameters, the element effectively bridges the impedance gap between air and skin, minimizing energy loss while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the antenna uses an impedance-matching element to improve transmission efficiency to skin, then the efficiency is greatly improved, but the antenna becomes more difficult to test with classical protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance-matching element serves as a testable intermediary component. Its impedance characteristics can be independently measured and verified using standard equipment, allowing the testing process to be broken down into manageable stages: first testing the element itself, then testing the antenna system with the element in place. This resolves the testability issue by providing a discrete, measurable component.
3Reliability
If the antenna is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structure is simpler, but it is difficult to achieve optimal mechanical fit and contact with skin surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct functional modules: the radiating element, the impedance-matching element, and the housing/bracelet component. This segmentation allows each module to be independently optimized and assembled, enabling better mechanical fit and adaptability to skin contours while maintaining manageable overall complexity through modular integration.
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 radiation efficiency and testability by minimizing transmission losses and air gaps, facilitating integration into devices like bracelets for effective therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
the element being arranged to make the impedance of the antenna matching an impedance of skin... the element... behaves as an impedance transformer, the impedance of the antenna is adapted to the impedance of the skin of the user
Implementation Method 2
the element comprises only polycarbonate, a thickness value of the element being situated between 0.5 mm and 3 mm... a dielectric constant value less or equal to 4 and a dissipation factor less or equal to 0.2
Data Source
AI summary
The invention deals with a patch antenna (28) for a near field radiation. The patch antenna comprises an element (52) that has a surface intended to cover a skin of a user. Furthermore, the element (52) intended to cover the skin is arranged to make the impedance of the antenna (28) matching an impedance of skin.