Wearable Antenna Assembly With Integrated Attachment Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing antennas to wearable articles for delivering electrical energy to implanted tissue stimulators are inefficient, requiring separate attachment pieces and not ensuring optimal positioning for effective electrical communication.
Innovation Solution
An antenna assembly with a housing and attachment features that securely attach to wearable articles, allowing for optimal positioning of the antenna adjacent to the body, including flexible circuit boards, various fasteners, and materials like silicone and ABS, enabling secure and flexible attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate attachment pieces are used to secure the antenna to the wearable article, then the antenna can be attached to the wearable article, but the device complexity increases and the positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and attachment features into a single integrated antenna assembly. The housing contains both the antenna and attachment features (such as magnets, Velcro®, or snap fasteners), eliminating the need for separate attachment pieces and reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment to the wearable article
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical communication via the antenna while simultaneously providing attachment functionality through integrated attachment features. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system
2Reliability
If separate attachment pieces are used to secure the antenna to the wearable article, then the antenna can be attached to the wearable article, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the antenna and attachment features within the same housing ensures that the antenna is positioned precisely relative to the attachment points. This eliminates positioning errors that would occur with separate attachment pieces and ensures optimal electrical communication while maintaining secure attachment
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for attachment, then the antenna can be securely attached to the wearable article, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly integrates the antenna and attachment features into a single unit that attaches to the wearable article in one operation. This eliminates the need for multiple separate attachment steps, making the device easier to operate while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated attachment features
Data Source
AI summary
A method of securing an antenna assembly to a wearable article includes positioning a template carrying a first antenna at a desired position on the wearable article worn on a body of a patient. The desired position is in proximity to a wireless tissue stimulator implanted within the body. The method further includes marking a location of the desired position of the template against the wearable article, securing a first attachment feature to the wearable article at a mark located at the desired position, and attaching the antenna assembly to the wearable article at the first attachment feature. The antenna assembly includes a second antenna configured to send a signal carrying electrical energy to the wireless tissue stimulator and a housing carrying the second antenna. The housing includes a second attachment feature configured to engage the first attachment feature for positioning the second antenna adjacent the body.