Solid Phantom Device for High-Frequency Electromagnetic Dosimetry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electromagnetic dosimetry methods are inadequate for measuring exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic waves above 6 GHz, as existing 'phantoms' either degrade quickly or are expensive and impractical for simulating human tissue properties accurately at these frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A device with a substrate carrying a metallized or non-metallized shield and a dielectric material layer, featuring calibrated openings, is used to simulate human tissue characteristics, equipped with sensors to measure electromagnetic radiation, allowing for accurate exposure assessment at frequencies above 6 GHz.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid phantoms are used to simulate human tissue, then the simulation of dielectric properties is improved, but the longevity and stability of the phantom deteriorates due to water evaporation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidphantom longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the phantom material from liquid to solid, specifically using a solid phantom material that maintains stable dielectric properties without evaporation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating the evaporation issue while maintaining the simulation accuracy of human tissue properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials in the solid phantom construction, combining materials with specific dielectric properties to match human tissue characteristics. This allows the phantom to maintain both simulation accuracy and long-term stability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If solid phantoms are used to simulate human tissue, then the longevity and stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephantom longevityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by using 3D printing technology with accessible materials, reducing the manufacturing cost and complexity compared to traditional solid phantom fabrication methods. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining longevity while improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If sensors are positioned outside the phantom, then the measurement setup is simplified, but the measurement precision of electromagnetic radiation exposure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement setup simplicityVSAvoidexposure measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds sensors within the phantom structure itself, creating a nested configuration where the sensing elements are integrated inside the phantom material. This allows direct measurement of electromagnetic radiation exposure at the phantom's internal locations, improving measurement precision while the phantom's external surface remains accessible for simplified setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the phantom material itself as an intermediary medium that both simulates human tissue properties and houses the sensing elements. This intermediary approach allows the phantom to serve dual purposes: simulation and measurement, resolving the contradiction between setup simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise measurement of electromagnetic radiation exposure and absorption rates in human tissues at high frequencies, overcoming the limitations of existing phantoms by providing reliable and cost-effective simulation of tissue properties.

Implementation Method 1

a thickness (layer) of a dielectric material disposed on and/or under the substrate (preferably under the substrate)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

a shield comprising one or more conductive materials, metallized or not

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3325985B1Device for electromagnetic dosimetry and associated method
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 UNIV DE RENNES I
  • EP3325985B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (A) for simulating characteristics of human tissues in electromagnetic dosimetry, the device (A) comprising a substrate (S) carrying a metal shielding (MSH), and a layer (DL) of a dielectric material arranged on or preferably beneath the substrate (S), the device (A) also comprising a plurality of openings (OSH) made in the shielding (MSH) and at least one array (SA) of sensors (SENS) in the layer (DL) of dielectric material.