Split Ring Resonator Antenna for Reliable Wearable Infusion Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction, size, weight, and cost issues, and often require frequent re-location on the skin for effective parenteral drug delivery.

Innovation Solution

A split ring resonator antenna integrated into an infusion pump assembly that includes a reservoir, pump, and valve assemblies, allowing for wireless control and minimizing parasitic effects of dielectric materials, coupled with an impedance matching circuit and signal processing components for efficient data transmission and fluid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional antennas are used in wearable medical devices, then wireless communication can be achieved, but parasitic effects from dielectric materials (skin, body tissue) degrade signal quality and device reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidparasitic effects from dielectric materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The split ring resonator antenna acts as an intermediary structure between the wireless communication system and the human body. Its specific geometric configuration (split ring design with gaps) creates electromagnetic field patterns that are less sensitive to the dielectric properties of skin and body tissue, thereby mediating the interaction to reduce parasitic effects and improve communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna design changes key electromagnetic parameters including operating frequency, impedance, and radiation pattern through its split ring geometry. By optimizing the gap size, ring dimensions, and substrate properties, the antenna achieves parameter values that minimize coupling with dielectric materials while maintaining effective wireless communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of moving object

If wearable medical devices are made compact and lightweight, then user comfort and convenience improve, but device functionality and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The split ring resonator antenna can be fabricated as a thin-film structure on flexible substrates, allowing the wearable device to be made lightweight and comfortable while maintaining antenna functionality. The thin-film implementation reduces overall device weight and thickness without sacrificing wireless communication performance or reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure utilizes composite materials combining conductive traces on flexible substrate layers, potentially with dielectric and magnetic materials optimized for miniaturization. This composite approach enables compact, lightweight construction while maintaining electromagnetic performance and device reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the device is designed for long-term wear without re-location, then user convenience improves, but skin irritation and discomfort may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The thin-film antenna structure enables the device to be made flexible and conformable to skin contours, distributing pressure and reducing localized irritation. This allows long-term wear without re-location while maintaining user comfort by adapting to body movements and skin topology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enables a reliable, compact, and cost-effective wearable device for controlled release of therapeutics, reducing malfunctions and improving user convenience by minimizing skin re-location requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a split ring resonator antenna having a resonant frequency comprising a plurality of planar metallic layers... whereby the antenna wirelessly transmits and receives data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a split ring resonator antenna having a resonant frequency comprising a plurality of planar metallic layers... whereby the system minimizes the parasitic effects of dielectric materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11894609B2Split ring resonator antenna adapted for use in wirelessly controlled medical device

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 DEKA PRODUCTS LP

AI summary

An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, a pump assembly for pumping a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir to an exit, a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the exit from the pumping assembly, and a split ring resonator antenna having a resonant frequency comprising a plurality of planar metallic layers.