Artificial Magnetic Conductor Antenna Element for Reflection Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic waves radiated from antennas are weakened due to phase shift and amplitude reduction caused by reflection from metal conductors, and existing technologies for reducing this influence are limited in effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A resonance structure comprising a resonator with specific conductor configurations and materials, including pair conductors, a third conductor acting as an artificial magnetic conductor, and a fourth conductor, which operates at multiple resonant frequencies to minimize electromagnetic wave leakage and maintain radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If electromagnetic waves are radiated from an antenna near a metal conductor, then the antenna can be positioned close to the ground or structure, but the reflected electromagnetic waves cause phase shift and amplitude reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resonator structure as an intermediary between the antenna and the metal conductor. This resonator acts as a mediator that transforms the harmful reflected waves into useful constructive interference, allowing the antenna to operate close to the ground while maintaining radiation efficiency. The resonator's specific dimensions and configuration enable it to resonate at the operating frequency, creating a constructive interference pattern that enhances the electromagnetic field rather than reducing it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the resonator structure, specifically setting the resonator length to λ/4 (one-quarter wavelength) and the resonator width to λ/2 (one-half wavelength) at the operating frequency. These parameter changes transform the resonator's interaction with electromagnetic waves from destructive to constructive, converting the harmful reflection into a beneficial effect that enhances radiation efficiency while allowing close proximity to the ground.
2Loss of energy
If the distance between antenna and metal conductor is set to 1/4 wavelength to reduce reflected wave influence, then radiation efficiency improves, but the antenna structure becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground plane with the resonator structure, eliminating the need for a separate ground plane. The resonator itself serves dual functions: it acts as both the radiating element and the ground reference. This integration simplifies the overall antenna structure by combining multiple components into a single unified design, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining radiation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the radiating element, provides the ground reference, creates the necessary impedance transformation, and generates constructive interference patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall antenna design while achieving the desired radiation efficiency without increasing structural complexity.
3Loss of energy
If conventional reflector structures are used to reduce reflected wave influence, then some radiation efficiency is maintained, but the effectiveness is limited and additional structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reflector function directly into the resonator structure itself, eliminating the need for separate reflector components. The resonator's inherent resonant properties create the necessary reflective and constructive interference effects, merging what would traditionally be separate functions into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
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 solution effectively reduces electromagnetic wave leakage and maintains radiation efficiency by utilizing an artificial magnetic conductor configuration that minimizes the impact of reflected waves, enhancing the performance of antenna elements and arrays.
Implementation Method 1
A resonance structure comprising a resonator with specific conductor configurations and materials, including pair conductors, a third conductor acting as an artificial magnetic conductor, and a fourth conductor, which operates at multiple resonant frequencies to minimize electromagnetic wave leakage and maintain radiation efficiency.
Implementation Method 2
Electromagnetic waves radiated from an antenna are reflected by a metal conductor. The electromagnetic waves reflected by the metal conductor have a phase shift of 180°.
Implementation Method 3
The electromagnetic waves reflected by the metal conductor have a phase shift of 180°. The influence of the reflected waves is reduced by setting a distance between the antenna and the metal conductor to be 1/4 of a wavelength λ of the electromagnetic waves to be radiated.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided are an improved antenna element, array antenna, communication unit, mobile object, and base station. The antenna element includes a first conductor, a second conductor, a third conductor, a fourth conductor, a feeding line electrically connected to the third conductor, and a filter connected to the feeding line. The first conductor and the second conductor extend along a second plane and are positioned away from each other along a first axis that intersects the second plane. The third conductor extends along a first plane including the first axis and is positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor. The fourth conductor extends along the first plane, is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor, and is positioned away from the third conductor. The filter is positioned in such a manner as to overlap the fourth conductor.