Aircraft inserts having surface integrated antennas and/or filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft inserts with antennas are either obstructed by EMF shielding, reducing signal reception, or visibly exposed, affecting aesthetics, especially when multiple frequencies are involved.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a non-conductive body with a surface antenna assembly on the inner surface, allowing the antenna to be hidden and configured to receive specific frequencies, and a conductive trace filter to block unwanted frequencies, using a plastic faceplate with embedded conductive traces that can be designed to conform to the insert's shape, acting as a Faraday cage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the antenna is placed inside the equipment, then the aesthetics are improved, but the signal reception is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna into the faceplate structure itself, transitioning from traditional internal placement or external protruding antennas to a surface-mounted configuration on the faceplate's outer surface. This dimensional integration allows the antenna to be aesthetically embedded while maintaining external signal exposure for optimal reception.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to support multiple frequencies, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the visual complexity and aesthetics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated faceplate structure, where multiple conductive traces or antenna patterns are embedded within the same faceplate surface. This merging approach enables multi-frequency support while maintaining a unified, clean aesthetic appearance rather than multiple separate visible antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural cover for the appliance and as the antenna substrate for wireless communication. By making the faceplate universal for both aesthetic and communication functions, the design supports multiple frequencies without adding visual complexity.
3Reliability
If the antenna is placed on the outside of the equipment, then the signal reception is improved, but the aesthetics are worsened due to visible exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are merged with the faceplate structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external antenna components. The conductive traces are integrated directly into the faceplate material or surface, creating a unified design where the antenna is externally positioned for optimal signal reception but visually indistinguishable from the faceplate's normal appearance.
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 hidden antenna placement without obstructing signal reception and maintains aesthetics, while effectively filtering frequencies to meet aircraft device emissions limits, allowing for multiple antenna integration and improved functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The non-conductive body can be configured to pass at least the one or more predetermined frequencies
Implementation Method 2
The conductive trace filter can define a cage or grid shape, for example
Data Source
AI summary
A filter component for an aircraft insert can include a non-conductive body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface can be configured to be hidden from view when installed on the insert. The filter component can include a surface filter disposed on the inner surface such that when the non-conductive body is installed on the insert the surface filter is not visible. The surface filter can be configured to filter out one or more predetermined filter frequencies.