Spinal Implant Antenna Extender for Inductive Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive coupling for powering and communicating with deep tissue implants like pedicle screws is limited by distance constraints from an external power source, hindering effective energy transfer and data retrieval.
Innovation Solution
An energy transfer system comprising a spinal implant with an antenna and an antenna extender, along with a reader device, which extends energy transfer capabilities by positioning the antenna extender between the implant and the reader device, allowing for efficient energy delivery and data retrieval through a flexible printed circuit and RF/NFC chips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inductive coupling is used to power and communicate with deep tissue implants, then energy transfer and data communication are enabled, but distance constraints limit the effectiveness of the system
Solution Approach 1:
An antenna extender acts as an intermediary component between the implant antenna and the reader device. The extender extends the effective range of the implant antenna, allowing inductive coupling to occur at greater distances than would be possible with the implant antenna alone. This mediator component bridges the gap between the implant and external reader device, resolving the distance constraint while maintaining reliable energy transfer and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna extender adds a spatial dimension to the system by extending outward from the implant in a direction away from the tissue. This dimensional extension allows the antenna system to reach beyond the immediate implant location, effectively increasing the operational distance for inductive coupling without requiring the reader device to be in direct contact with or extremely close to the implant.
2Length of moving object
If the antenna extender is made longer to increase distance capability, then energy transfer range is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna extender is constructed using flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) technology, which allows the antenna to be formed on a flexible substrate. This approach enables the creation of extended antenna structures without the complexity of traditional rigid PCB routing or wire-wound constructions. The flexible film substrate makes the extender easier to manufacture while maintaining the desired length and electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical antenna construction methods (such as wire-wound coils or rigid PCB traces) with a flexible printed circuit implementation. This substitution simplifies manufacturing by using standard FPCB fabrication processes, making the antenna extender easier to produce while achieving the required length and electrical performance for extended inductive coupling range.
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
The system enables reliable powering and data retrieval for deep tissue implants by bridging distance constraints, ensuring continuous operation and data collection from implants positioned within the spinal area.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive coupling may be used to power and/or communicate with an implant, such as for example, a screw assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy transfer system includes a spinal implant having an antenna, an antenna extender attached to a portion of the spinal implant in proximity to the antenna, and a reader device configured to send energy to the spinal implant via the antenna extender. The antenna extender extends away from the spinal implant. The spinal implant is configured to be positioned within a spinal area of a patient.