Virtual FM Antenna Using Human Body and Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of wireless communication devices is hindered by the need for adequately long antennas, as devices with antennas shorter than a quarter of the signal wavelength experience inadequate reception, particularly for lower frequency signals, and existing solutions like extendable antennas or using headphone cords increase device size.
Innovation Solution
The use of the human body as a virtual antenna, combined with impedance matching circuitry, including an LC tank circuit for optimal power transfer and real-time impedance matching to adjust circuit parameters based on changing impedance and signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an adequately long antenna is used to receive lower frequency signals, then reception quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the human body as an intermediary to function as the antenna. The body's natural conductivity and size at FM wavelengths (277-344 cm) make it an effective receiving element, eliminating the need for a separate physical antenna structure in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The human body serves multiple functions: it acts as the antenna for signal reception, provides a natural ground reference, and eliminates the need for separate antenna components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the user themselves part of the receiving system.
2Reliability
If extendable metal antenna or headphone cords are used, then reception of lower frequency signals is improved, but physical size of the system greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using extendable metal antennas or headphone cords as intermediaries, the patent uses the human body as the intermediary element. The body's natural dimensions and conductivity provide the necessary antenna length without requiring external extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own body to provide the antenna function, eliminating the need for separate antenna components. The body naturally serves the antenna function through its physical presence and electrical properties at FM frequencies.
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 efficient reception of lower frequency signals without the need for bulky external antennas, maintaining device compactness while minimizing energy loss and optimizing signal strength across various frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
An average body (~5-6 feet), is roughly half of the wavelength of an FM radio wave and has a resonant frequency around 76 to 86 MHz, both of which are desirable characteristics for an FM antenna
Implementation Method 2
The present invention overcomes these deficiencies and uses the human body to aid in the reception of radio waves
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for receiving wireless signals couples an antenna input of a receiver to a human body and receives a signal conducting from said body. Impedance matching circuitry lessens signal power loss at the antenna input. Parameters of the impedance matching circuitry can be adjusted based on a detected impedance, a detected signal strength, or the frequency of the signal.