Antenna Module Dielectric Layer for End-Fire Beam Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication module configuration, where a dipole antenna and a patch antenna are arranged on the same substrate with a reflector pattern, results in inefficient radio wave emission in the end-fire direction due to overlapping radiation areas, limiting the power used for end-fire direction emission.

Innovation Solution

An antenna module with a dielectric substrate, a first radiating element (patch antenna), and a second radiating element (dipole antenna) is designed, where the second radiating element is covered by a dielectric layer with a higher dielectric constant and thinner than the substrate, enhancing radio wave emission in the end-fire direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reflector pattern is disposed in between the dipole antenna and the patch antenna, then the directivity can vary continuously from the end-fire direction to the boresight direction, but the beam direction of the radio wave emitted from the dipole antenna spreads out widely causing overlapping radiation areas and limiting power for end-fire direction emission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectivity variation rangeVSAvoidpower for end-fire direction emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning a dielectric member with high dielectric constant specifically near the dipole antenna's radiation source, rather than uniformly distributing dielectric material throughout the antenna structure. This localized placement concentrates the electromagnetic field control where it is most needed, improving end-fire direction emission efficiency without compromising the overall directivity variation capability from end-fire to boresight directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting a dielectric member with a specifically high dielectric constant (higher than the substrate's dielectric constant) and controlling its thickness to be smaller than the substrate thickness. This parameter optimization enables the dipole antenna to concentrate its radiation pattern in the end-fire direction while maintaining the ability to vary directivity across different angles when used in conjunction with the patch antenna

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the dipole antenna emits radio wave in opposite direction to the patch antenna, then the array antenna configuration is achieved, but the radiation area of the dipole antenna overlaps with the patch antenna causing limited power efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray antenna configurationVSAvoidradio wave emission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric member is strategically positioned adjacent to the dipole antenna elements, creating a localized high-dielectric region that modifies the radiation pattern specifically for the dipole antenna. This local modification allows the dipole to emit more efficiently in the end-fire direction without significantly affecting the patch antenna's radiation characteristics, thereby reducing overlap and improving overall array antenna productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric member acts as an intermediary between the dipole antenna and the surrounding space, mediating the electromagnetic field distribution. By introducing this intermediate dielectric structure with optimized parameters (high dielectric constant, controlled thickness), the patent enables better control over the dipole's radiation pattern, reducing harmful overlap with the patch antenna's radiation area while maintaining array antenna functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration improves the efficiency of radio wave emission in the end-fire direction by concentrating the beam of the dipole antenna, increasing the intensity of the radio wave emitted in this direction.

Implementation Method 1

A dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer is higher than a dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric constant: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS20230327338A1Antenna module and communication device equipped with the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna module includes a dielectric substrate, radiating elements disposed in or on the dielectric substrate, and a dielectric layer. The radiating element is disposed next to the radiating element in a plan view seen from the direction normal to the dielectric substrate. The dielectric layer is disposed to cover the radiating element. The radiating element is a linear antenna. The dielectric constant of the dielectric layer is higher than the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate. The thickness of the dielectric layer is smaller than the thickness of the dielectric substrate.