Angled Antenna Ground Plane for Space-Constrained UAV GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space-constrained vehicles, such as UAVs, face challenges in maintaining antenna efficiency and gain due to limited ground plane dimensions, which affect GPS reception and overall performance.
Innovation Solution
An antenna assembly design featuring a ground plane with angled or curved side portions to fit within limited spaces while maintaining radiation pattern and efficiency, using a radiating element, substrate, and feed cable, with the ground plane's center portion parallel to the chassis and side portions angled relative to the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ground plane size is reduced to fit space constraints, then the antenna can be installed in space-limited vehicles, but the antenna gain and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional structure by adding vertical height through side walls. This dimensional change allows the ground plane to maintain its electrical performance (gain and efficiency) while reducing its horizontal footprint to fit space-constrained vehicle designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls of the ground plane are configured with curved surfaces rather than flat planes. This curvature optimizes the reflection of electromagnetic waves and improves the radiation pattern of the patch antenna, thereby maintaining or enhancing antenna gain and efficiency within the reduced space envelope.
2Area of stationary object
If the conductive plate size is limited to fit the UAV, then the antenna fits inside the vehicle, but the ability to convert electrical energy into radiating energy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane structure adds a vertical dimension through side walls of specific height, transforming the energy conversion process from a two-dimensional surface interaction to a three-dimensional electromagnetic field interaction. This enables effective energy radiation despite the limited horizontal area of the conductive plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall height of the ground plane is specifically optimized to resonate at the operating frequency of the patch antenna. This parameter optimization enhances the electromagnetic field distribution and improves the conversion efficiency of electrical energy to radiating energy, compensating for the reduced conductive plate area.
3Device complexity
If a flat ground plane is used, then the antenna structure is simple, but it cannot fit into space-limited areas while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls incorporate curved surfaces that are formed through standard manufacturing processes such as bending or molding metal sheets. This approach adds the necessary three-dimensional geometry to fit space constraints while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and avoiding complex assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane side walls are constructed from thin metal sheets that can be bent or formed into the required curved shapes. This use of flexible thin materials allows the creation of compact three-dimensional structures from simple two-dimensional starting materials, balancing structural complexity with manufacturing ease.
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 design maintains similar gain and efficiency as a flat ground plane, fitting into space-limited areas with a stable radiation pattern and improved antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
The patch antenna functions based on principles of electromagnetic wave propagation and resonance
Implementation Method 2
the antenna's ability to convert electrical energy into radiating energy
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and antenna assemblies thereof for shaping radiation patterns in global positioning system applications. For example, an embodiment pertains to an antenna assembly onboard an aerial vehicle. The antenna assembly includes a radiating element coupled to a chassis of an aerial vehicle and positioned in parallel with the chassis, a substrate coupled to the radiating element, a ground plane coupled to the substrate, and a feed cable coupled to the radiating element through the substrate and the ground plane. The ground plane includes a center portion in parallel with the chassis and with the radiating element, and side portions positioned at an angle relative to the chassis and to the radiating element.