Antenna Loop Pattern Sliding Mechanism for Resonant Frequency Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna apparatuses for RFID and microwave systems have limited adjustable resonant frequency ranges, leading to manufacturing of inferior devices and difficulties in meeting tight tolerance requirements for center frequencies, especially under varying environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

The antenna apparatus features a first loop pattern and a second loop pattern wound in the same direction, allowing for expanded resonant frequency adjustment without magnetic field cancellation, enabling precise frequency tuning even after assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the resonant frequency is adjusted by trimming or etching capacitor and resistance patterns, then the resonant frequency can be tuned, but the adjusting range becomes narrow and adjustment after assembly is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency adjustment rangeVSAvoidadjustability after assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static loop pattern into a dynamic adjustable structure by introducing a sliding contact mechanism. The loop pattern includes a movable portion that can slide along a guide, allowing the effective perimeter of the loop to be changed dynamically. This enables continuous adjustment of resonant frequency after assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The loop pattern is divided into multiple segments including a fixed portion and a movable portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the antenna to be adjusted in discrete steps or continuously depending on the sliding mechanism design, providing flexible frequency tuning capability while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If loop-shaped antenna patterns are used with magnetic fields produced along the same direction, then the antenna structure is simple, but the resonant frequency adjustment range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structure simplicityVSAvoidresonant frequency adjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The simple loop structure is enhanced with a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the loop perimeter to be varied. The sliding contact enables change in the effective area and perimeter of the loop, thereby tuning the resonant frequency without complicating the basic loop geometry. This maintains structural simplicity while dramatically expanding the adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the loop pattern by allowing the movable portion to slide to different positions. This alters the effective perimeter and area of the loop, directly changing the inductance and capacitance values, thereby tuning the resonant frequency across a wide range while keeping the structural form simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the resonant frequency is adjusted by changing turn numbers of loops, then frequency tuning is possible, but adjustment during assembly cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency controlVSAvoidadjustment timing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the number of turns (which requires manufacturing variations), the patent implements a dynamic sliding mechanism that adjusts the effective perimeter of each loop. This allows frequency tuning to be performed after assembly by simply moving the sliding contact to different positions, providing both precise frequency control and timing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If tolerance ranges of center frequencies are narrowed for portable telephones, then communication quality improves, but frequency adjustment becomes very difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidfrequency adjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding contact mechanism provides fine-grained adjustment capability that enables precise frequency tuning within narrow tolerance ranges. The continuous or stepped adjustment allows operators to achieve the exact center frequency required for high-quality portable telephone communication, making it easy to meet strict specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a frequency measurement mechanism that provides feedback during the adjustment process. This allows operators to monitor the resonant frequency in real-time and make precise adjustments to the sliding contact position, ensuring the antenna is tuned to the exact required frequency for optimal communication quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 design significantly expands the adjustable range of resonant frequencies, reducing adjustment failures and meeting the narrow tolerance requirements for portable devices, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a first loop pattern 2 and a second loop pattern 3, which are provided within an antenna board 1, and the second loop pattern 3 is wound in such that a magnetic field is generated from the second loop pattern along the same direction as that of the first loop antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7990326B2Antenna apparatus and adjusting method thereof
Publication Date: 2011.08.02 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • US7990326B2 patent drawing
  • US7990326B2 patent drawing
  • US7990326B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna apparatus includes a base member that has an antenna unit and a loop pattern. The loop pattern is wound in such a manner that a magnetic field of the loop pattern is generated along the same direction as that of the antenna unit. Additionally, the loop pattern is formed by a plurality of loops connected parallel to each other.