Frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel regulation and control

Abstract

The invention discloses a frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel regulation and control. The frequency reconfigurable antenna mainly comprises a microstrip patch antenna substrate, an octagonal annular radiation patch, a graphene film and a liquid metal packaging structure. The packaging structure is composed of a micro-fluidic channel layer and a micro-fluidic cover plate, two octagonal annular micro-channels surrounding the radiation patch are arranged in the packaging structure, and liquid metal liquid drops and a NaOH electrolyte solution are injected into the micro-channels. According to the invention, the radiation structure and the electrical length of the antenna are dynamically adjusted by changing the position of the liquid metal droplet in the octagonal flow channel by using the excellent conductivity and fluidity of the liquid metal, so that the reconstruction of the working frequency within the ultra-wide range of 5.42 GHz to 17.5 GHz is realized. Compared with a traditional antenna, the antenna not only supports center frequency adjustment, but also can flexibly switch among seven different frequency bands, cover different communication frequency bands and reduce the number of antennas required by equipment, and a single multifunctional antenna replaces a plurality of single-function antennas, so that space is saved, system performance can be enhanced, and cost is reduced. The method is suitable for multi-frequency tuning requirements and cognitive radio systems in a complex electromagnetic environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid metal antenna technology, and more specifically to a frequency reconfigurable antenna based on the control of an octagonal flow channel of liquid metal. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the commercial and military communications industries, the overall demand for antennas on platforms has increased dramatically in order to achieve multiple purposes such as communication, navigation, weapon control, and defense. This has led to increasingly complex electromagnetic environments and significantly increased platform loads. Against this backdrop, wireless communication systems urgently need to develop towards intelligence, miniaturization, multi-functionality, and low cost. This requires antennas to not only possess high performance but also reconfigurability to adapt to different operating environments.

[0003] Existing reconfigurable antennas mostly rely on solid-state devices such as PIN diodes, MEMS switches, or varactor diodes. However, these devices introduce complex bias control circuits, increasing system losses and design complexity, and are prone to nonlinear distortion at high power. In addition, while mechanical reconfiguration does not have nonlinearity issues, it suffers from slow response and susceptibility to mechanical fatigue, making it difficult to meet the long-term high reliability requirements of applications.

[0004] In contrast, liquid metal antennas exhibit significant advantages due to their high conductivity and fluidity. Liquid metal can achieve wide-range continuous tuning through morphological changes without the need for complex feeding networks, simplifying the antenna structure.

[0005] Although some researchers have achieved frequency or mode reconstruction using liquid metal, current research still has limitations. Most current designs only use liquid metal as a simple switch or load, resulting in narrow antenna operating bandwidth, low radiation efficiency, and limited reconfiguration states. Existing technologies have not fully resolved the contradiction between ultra-wideband continuous tuning and multi-functional integration, making it difficult to meet the urgent needs of modern communication systems for flexible multi-band switching. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned unresolved problems by proposing a frequency-reconfigurable antenna based on the control of an octagonal flow channel in liquid metal.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel control includes a liquid metal containment device cover plate (1), a liquid metal containment device (2), an octagonal radiating patch (3), an antenna dielectric substrate (4), a copper-clad ground plane (5), a graphene electrode film (6), and liquid metal (7).

[0008] The liquid metal container (2) is engraved with an inner layer of liquid metal octagonal microchannels (21) and an outer layer of liquid metal octagonal microchannels (22) by a precision engraving machine; The cover plate (1) of the liquid metal container and the liquid metal container (2) are sealed together with UV glue; The octagonal radiating patch (3) includes a main octagonal radiating patch (31), an inner octagonal radiating patch (32), an outer octagonal radiating patch (33), and a microstrip patch antenna feed line (34). The antenna dielectric substrate (4) has a copper octagonal radiating patch (3) printed on its front side and a copper ground plane (5) printed on its back side. The graphene electrode film (6) is distributed at the geometric center of each side channel of the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22); The liquid metal (7) is introduced into the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) before the liquid metal container cover plate (1) and the liquid metal container (2) are sealed.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned frequency-reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channels, graphene electrode films (6) are distributed in the inner layer of the liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21). The inner graphene first film (611), inner graphene second film (612), inner graphene third film (613), inner graphene fourth film (614), inner graphene fifth film (615), inner graphene sixth film (616), and inner graphene seventh film (617) are connected in pairs to form a conductive circuit, utilizing continuous electrolubrication of liquid metal. The liquid metal (7) is driven to flow by the principle of electrowetting. At the same time, the graphene electrode film (6) is distributed in pairs between the outer graphene first film (621), outer graphene second film (622), outer graphene third film (623), outer graphene fourth film (624), outer graphene fifth film (625), outer graphene sixth film (626), and outer graphene seventh film (627) of the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) to form a conductive circuit. The liquid metal (7) is driven to flow by the principle of continuous electrowetting of liquid metal.

[0010] Furthermore, the antenna dielectric substrate (4) has dimensions of 48mm×46mm×1.5mm, the liquid metal containment device (2) has a thickness of 6mm, the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) have a depth of 5.8mm and a width of 1mm, and the cover plate (1) of the liquid metal containment device has a thickness of 1mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the antenna dielectric substrate (4) is model F4B, and the liquid metal containment device cover plate (1) and liquid metal containment device (2) are polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid metal (7) that flows into the inner layer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer layer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) is gallium-based liquid metal (Ga). 75 In 25 ).

[0013] In summary, this invention provides a frequency-reconfigurable antenna based on an octagonal flow channel controlled by liquid metal. Utilizing the excellent conductivity and fluidity of liquid metal, the antenna's radiating structure and electrical length are dynamically adjusted by changing the position of the liquid metal droplet within the octagonal flow channel, thereby achieving reconfiguration of the operating frequency over an ultra-wide range of 5.42 GHz to 17.5 GHz. Compared to traditional antennas, this invention not only supports center frequency adjustment but also allows flexible switching between seven different frequency bands, covering various communication frequency bands. It reduces the number of antennas required for the device, replacing multiple single-function antennas with a single multi-functional antenna, saving space and enhancing system performance. It is suitable for multi-frequency tuning requirements in complex electromagnetic environments and for cognitive radio systems. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a frequency-reconfigurable antenna based on the control of an octagonal flow channel in liquid metal.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view of the antenna structure.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the liquid metal containing device.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a specific implementation diagram of the frequency reconfigurable antenna based on the octagonal flow channel of liquid metal.

[0018] Figure 5 It is the reflection coefficient of the antenna structure under different states in the frequency reconstruction range of 1-18GHz. Specific implementation methods

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments.

[0020] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel control, comprising a liquid metal containment device cover plate (1), a liquid metal containment device (2), an octagonal radiating patch (3), an antenna dielectric substrate (4), a copper-clad ground plane (5), a graphene electrode film (6), and liquid metal (7).

[0021] The liquid metal container (2) is engraved with an inner layer of liquid metal octagonal microchannels (21) and an outer layer of liquid metal octagonal microchannels (22) by a precision engraving machine.

[0022] The cover plate (1) of the liquid metal container and the liquid metal container (2) are sealed together with UV glue.

[0023] The octagonal radiating patch (3) includes a main octagonal radiating patch (31), an inner octagonal radiating patch (32), an outer octagonal radiating patch (33), and a microstrip patch antenna feed line (34).

[0024] The antenna dielectric substrate (4) has a copper octagonal radiating patch (3) printed on its front side and a copper-clad ground plane (5) printed on its back side.

[0025] The graphene electrode film (6) is distributed at the geometric center of each side channel of the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22).

[0026] The liquid metal (7) is introduced into the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) before the liquid metal container cover plate (1) and the liquid metal container (2) are sealed.

[0027] The graphene electrode film (6) is distributed in the inner layer of the liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21). The inner graphene first film (611), inner graphene second film (612), inner graphene third film (613), inner graphene fourth film (614), inner graphene fifth film (615), inner graphene sixth film (616), and inner graphene seventh film (617) are connected in pairs to form a conductive circuit. The liquid metal (7) is driven to flow by the principle of continuous electrowetting of liquid metal. At that time, the graphene electrode film (6) is distributed in pairs between the outer graphene first film (621), outer graphene second film (622), outer graphene third film (623), outer graphene fourth film (624), outer graphene fifth film (625), outer graphene sixth film (626), and outer graphene seventh film (627) of the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) to form a conductive circuit, and the liquid metal (7) is driven to flow by the principle of continuous electrowetting of liquid metal.

[0028] To ensure that the liquid metal (7) has sufficient space to flow in the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22), the liquid metal containing device (2) is 6 mm thick, the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) are 5.8 mm deep and 1 mm wide, and the cover plate (1) of the liquid metal containing device is 1 mm thick.

[0029] The antenna dielectric substrate (4) is model F4B, and the liquid metal containment device cover plate (1) and liquid metal containment device (2) are polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0030] The antenna performance is further explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 5 The above embodiments are frequency reconstruction reflection coefficients in the 1-18GHz range under different states. The horizontal axis in the figure represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents the reflection coefficient amplitude. When the inner graphene first film (611) and the outer graphene first film (621) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to these two positions, which is state I; when the inner graphene second film (612) and the outer graphene second film (622) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to these two positions, which is state II; when the inner graphene third film (613) and the outer graphene third film (623) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to these two positions, which is state III; when the inner graphene fourth film (614) and the outer graphene fourth film (623) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to these two positions, which is state III; when the inner graphene fourth film (614) and the outer graphene fourth film (623) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to these two positions, which is state III. 4) When working, the liquid metal (7) flows to the two positions, which is state IV; when the inner graphene fifth film (615) and the outer graphene fifth film (625) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to the two positions, which is state V; when the inner graphene sixth film (616) and the outer graphene sixth film (626) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to the two positions, which is state VI; when the inner graphene seventh film (617) and the outer graphene seventh film (627) are working, the liquid metal (7) flows to the two positions, which is state VII.

[0031] The above descriptions are all preferred embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, any modifications to the present invention in various equivalent forms without departing from the principle of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A frequency-reconfigurable antenna based on a liquid metal octagonal flow channel, characterized in that: It includes a liquid metal containment device cover (1), a liquid metal containment device (2), an octagonal radiating patch (3), an antenna dielectric substrate (4), a copper-clad ground plane (5), a graphene electrode film (6), and liquid metal (7); The liquid metal container (2) is engraved with an inner layer of liquid metal octagonal microchannels (21) and an outer layer of liquid metal octagonal microchannels (22) by a precision engraving machine; The cover plate (1) of the liquid metal container and the liquid metal container (2) are sealed together with UV glue; The octagonal radiating patch (3) includes a main octagonal radiating patch (31), an inner octagonal radiating patch (32), an outer octagonal radiating patch (33), and a microstrip patch antenna feed line (34). The antenna dielectric substrate (4) has a copper octagonal radiating patch (3) printed on its front side and a copper ground plane (5) printed on its back side. The graphene electrode film (6) is distributed at the geometric center of each side channel of the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22); The liquid metal (7) is introduced into the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) before the liquid metal container cover plate (1) and the liquid metal container (2) are sealed.

2. The frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The graphene electrode film (6) is distributed in the inner layer of the liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21). The inner graphene first film (611), inner graphene second film (612), inner graphene third film (613), inner graphene fourth film (614), inner graphene fifth film (615), inner graphene sixth film (616), and inner graphene seventh film (617) are connected in pairs to form a conductive circuit. The liquid metal (7) is driven to flow by the principle of continuous electrowetting of liquid metal. At that time, the graphene electrode film (6) is distributed in pairs between the outer graphene first film (621), outer graphene second film (622), outer graphene third film (623), outer graphene fourth film (624), outer graphene fifth film (625), outer graphene sixth film (626), and outer graphene seventh film (627) of the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) to form a conductive circuit, and the liquid metal (7) is driven to flow by the principle of continuous electrowetting of liquid metal.

3. The frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna dielectric substrate (4) has dimensions of 48mm×46mm×1.5mm, the liquid metal containment device (2) has a thickness of 6mm, the inner liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) have a depth of 5.8mm and a width of 1mm, and the cover plate (1) of the liquid metal containment device has a thickness of 1mm.

4. The frequency reconfigurable antenna based on liquid metal octagonal flow channel control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna dielectric substrate (4) is model F4B, and the liquid metal containment device cover plate (1) and liquid metal containment device (2) are polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

5. A frequency-reconfigurable antenna based on a liquid metal octagonal flow channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid metal (7) gallium-based liquid metal (Ga) that flows into the inner layer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (21) and the outer layer liquid metal octagonal microchannel (22) 75 In 25 ).

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