Dielectrically Loaded Antenna Assembly with Integrated Shielded Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna assemblies for frequencies above 200 MHz lack versatility and robustness, particularly in terms of ease of connection to host equipment and structural integrity, while also being cost-effective to produce.
Innovation Solution
A dielectrically loaded antenna assembly with a housing that incorporates a coaxial connector, featuring a ceramic core with multiple helical elements, a laminate board feeder, and a conductive housing body with a moulded insulative cover, providing a robust and versatile solution for frequencies above 200 MHz, including dual-band operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional antenna assembly structure is used, then the antenna can be manufactured, but it lacks robustness and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector housing and antenna mounting structure into a single integrated housing body. The housing body forms a hollow conductive shield that simultaneously provides mechanical support, electromagnetic shielding, and connector housing functions, eliminating the need for separate structural components and improving overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly uses a composite structure combining a dielectric core (ceramic or plastic) with conductive elements (helical antenna elements plated on the core) and a conductive housing body. This composite approach provides both mechanical strength and electromagnetic functionality while maintaining structural robustness.
2Ease of operation
If the antenna is designed for frequent connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting structure, electromagnetic shielding, connector housing, and structural support for the antenna elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and disconnected, improving both ease of operation and connection reliability.
3Reliability
If a rugged and versatile antenna assembly is designed, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into the housing body reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The single housing body replaces what would traditionally require separate connector housing, mounting bracket, and shielding components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing body's multi-functional design allows a single component to perform multiple roles (structural support, shielding, connector housing), reducing the bill of materials and assembly steps required for production, thus improving production economy while maintaining reliability.
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 enhances the antenna's robustness, ease of connection, and production economy, ensuring reliable operation across multiple frequencies while maintaining structural integrity and ease of mounting on host equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectrically loaded antenna... an insulative core which has an outer surface and is shaped to define a central antenna axis... The material of the core may be a ceramic and it preferably has a relative dielectric constant of at least 5
Data Source
AI summary
Among the embodiments disclosed herein is an antenna assembly comprising the combination of a dielectrically loaded antenna and a housing, the housing incorporating a connector for coupling the antenna to host equipment. The antenna comprises an insulative core which has an outer surface and is shaped to define a central axis, and a laminate board on the central axis, the laminate board extending proximally from a proximal core surface portion oriented transversely with respect to the axis. The housing comprises a housing body which forms a hollow conductive shield for the laminate board, and is centered on the antenna axis, and the housing is shaped to provide a mounting surface which, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis, defines a periphery of an area in the said plane which area is at least as great as the cross-sectional area of the said proximal portion of the antenna.