Transparent Loop Antenna Module for Capsule Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule-type endoscopes face challenges in manufacturing complexity and increased costs due to the need for special antenna placement and materials that prevent light and visual field obstruction, while miniaturized antennas suffer from low radiation efficiency, leading to poor signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A loop antenna module with a transparent conductive wire and coupling pads, allowing for easy manufacturing and impedance matching without a separate matching element, and placement on opposing ends of the battery to capture images at various angles without blocking the light source or camera field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If antennas are disposed directly in front of camera and light source, then antenna placement is simplified, but light emitted by light source and visual field of camera are blocked by antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar surface mounting to three-dimensional embedding within the capsule body. The antenna is integrated into the longitudinal axis of the capsule, extending from the front surface into the interior space, allowing it to occupy a different spatial dimension that does not intersect with the optical path of the camera and light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is nested within the capsule structure itself, utilizing the internal longitudinal space of the capsule body. This nesting approach allows the antenna to be housed within the existing capsule geometry without requiring additional external space or compromising the optical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If microstrip line antennas are disposed on body surface, then antenna can be placed on capsule surface, but special manufacturing process is required and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard wire form that can be replicated through simple molding or embedding processes. Instead of requiring complex microstrip line fabrication with precise trace patterns and impedance control, the antenna is created using a straightforward wire insertion or embedding method that can be easily copied in mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs a simple wire structure that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacturing and cost-effectiveness over using expensive, complex microstrip line constructions, aligning with the disposable nature of capsule endoscopes.
3Volume of moving object
If coil antennas are miniaturized to be disposed in space between camera and light source, then antenna size is reduced, but radiation efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the antenna along the longitudinal dimension of the capsule rather than confining it to a compact planar or coiled configuration. This longitudinal extension provides sufficient effective length for radiation while maintaining a compact transverse footprint that fits within the capsule's diameter constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna configuration is optimized to dynamically adapt to the available space within the capsule. By extending along the longitudinal axis, the antenna achieves the necessary electrical length for efficient radiation without requiring a large volume, effectively utilizing the three-dimensional space available in the capsule structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If copper wire is in direct contact with internal organs, then antenna can be manufactured simply, but copper wire may harm internal organs and body fluids may corrode copper wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating coating as an intermediary layer between the conductive wire and the biological environment. This coating serves as a mediator that maintains the electrical functionality of the antenna while preventing direct contact with tissues and body fluids, thereby ensuring biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure employs a composite construction combining a conductive core material (such as copper or other metals) with an insulating biocompatible coating material. This composite approach allows the antenna to maintain its electrical properties while the outer coating provides protection against corrosion and ensures safety for contact with internal organs.
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 loop antenna module effectively transmits signals with improved radiation efficiency and ease of manufacturing, enabling clear image capture of internal organs at multiple angles without obstructing the light source or camera field.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of coupling pads provided on a surface of the loop antenna substrate and capacitively coupled to a further pair of coupling pads provided in the feed portion substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A loop antenna module used in a capsule-type endoscope comprises: a feed portion substrate including a pair of coupling pads provided on a surface; and a loop antenna body including a loop antenna substrate coupled to the feed portion substrate, a pair of coupling pads provided on a surface of the loop antenna substrate and capacitively coupled to a further pair of coupling pads provided in the feed portion substrate, and a conductive wire extended from the pair of coupling pads provided on the surface of the loop antenna substrate to have a spiral pattern, wherein the loop antenna substrate, the pair of coupling pads and the conductive wire provided in the loop antenna substrate are formed of a transparent material.