Multifunctional Antenna Assembly with Electrical Connection Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in antennas in electrical apparatuses often suffer from performance degradation due to shielding effects from the housing and internal components, limiting their effectiveness in radio signal communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional antenna assembly incorporating a dielectric resonator antenna with a feeder and functional modules, such as an electrical connection module, which can be physically connected to the antenna body and includes a mounting structure to accommodate additional functions like an electrical socket, allowing for radiation patterns like broadside, endfire, and omnidirectional patterns while minimizing interference from the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the antenna is housed within the casing of an electrical apparatus, then the appearance of the apparatus is improved, but the antenna performance is degraded due to shielding effects
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: the antenna body with dielectric resonator, the feeder system, and separate electrical connection modules. This segmentation allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for performance while integrating multiple functions into a unified assembly that can be housed within the apparatus casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that physically connects the antenna body to the housing, positioning the antenna at an optimal distance from shielding surfaces. This intermediary structure acts as a mediator between the antenna and the housing, reducing direct shielding effects while maintaining aesthetic integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If built-in antennas are used in electrical apparatuses, then integration is improved, but communication effectiveness is limited due to shielding from housing and internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is designed as a universal multifunctional unit that combines wireless communication antenna functions with electrical connection capabilities (power sockets, data ports). This multi-functional design allows integration into various electrical apparatuses without requiring separate antenna and electrical connection components, maintaining communication effectiveness through optimized antenna design while providing versatile integration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending the antenna assembly outward from the housing surface in certain configurations, creating additional dimensional space between the antenna radiating elements and the shielding housing. This dimensional adjustment reduces shielding effects while maintaining integrated design benefits.
3Device complexity
If functional modules are integrated with the antenna body, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functional modules (electrical connection components, mounting structures) are segmented as separate attachable components rather than being monolithically integrated with the antenna body. This segmentation reduces manufacturing precision requirements by allowing each component to be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, while still achieving a compact integrated final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structures and electrical connection modules are designed with pre-formed connection interfaces and positioning features that guide accurate assembly. These preliminary design actions establish precise alignment and connection points before final assembly, reducing the actual manufacturing precision demands during the integration process.
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 antenna assembly maintains efficient communication performance by reducing shielding effects and integrating wireless communication capabilities into existing electrical infrastructure without significant modifications, offering a compact and flexible design suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna is arranged to radiate an electromagnetic radiation including at least one of a broadside, an endfire, an omnidirectional and a conical-beam radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
the antenna body includes a dielectric resonator
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly, a wireless-communication-enabled device and an intelligent home or office appliance including such antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes an antenna including an antenna body and a feeder, and at least one functional module arranged to operate with a function different from that provided by the antenna; wherein the at least one functional module includes at least one electrical connection module arranged to connects with an external electrical connector.