Antenna Rigid Dielectric Substrate Stabilizes Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The thin dielectric layer used in microstrip feed lines for antennas is flexible and prone to bending deformation, which affects the radiation characteristics of the radiation elements and narrows the antenna's frequency band.

Innovation Solution

An antenna design featuring a first and second flexible dielectric layer with a rigid dielectric substrate, where the dielectric substrate reduces bending deformation and stabilizes radiation characteristics, while the thin dielectric layers minimize signal loss and maintain a wide frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a thin dielectric layer is used for the microstrip feed line, then signal loss is reduced and flexibility is improved, but bending deformation occurs which changes radiation characteristics and narrows the frequency band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal lossVSAvoidradiation characteristics stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric structure is divided into three distinct layers: a first dielectric layer for the microstrip feed line, a second dielectric layer for the radiation element, and a rigid dielectric substrate. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the thin first and second dielectric layers minimize signal loss, while the rigid substrate provides structural support to prevent bending deformation and maintain stable radiation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite dielectric structure combining flexible thin dielectric layers with a rigid dielectric substrate. The thin dielectric layers (first and second) are made sufficiently thin to minimize signal loss and allow flexibility, while the rigid dielectric substrate provides mechanical strength to prevent bending deformation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between flexibility/thinness and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a thin dielectric layer is used, then flexibility is improved, but the frequency band is narrowed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidfrequency band width
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric structure is segmented into multiple functional layers that can be independently optimized. The thin first and second dielectric layers provide flexibility and minimize signal loss, while the rigid dielectric substrate maintains structural integrity and supports a wider frequency band operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By combining thin flexible dielectric layers with a rigid dielectric substrate, the structure achieves both flexibility for adaptability and structural stability for wide frequency band operation. The rigid substrate prevents deformation that would otherwise narrow the frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If the dielectric layer is made sufficiently thin, then signal transmission is improved, but bending deformation occurs which affects radiation characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission efficiencyVSAvoidradiation characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric structure is divided into three layers with distinct functions. The thin first dielectric layer enables efficient signal transmission with minimal loss, while the rigid dielectric substrate provides structural stability to prevent bending deformation that would affect radiation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid dielectric substrate acts as an intermediary structural support between the thin first dielectric layer (for signal transmission) and the thin second dielectric layer (for radiation element). This intermediary layer prevents bending deformation while allowing the thin dielectric layers to maintain their signal transmission and radiation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a rigid dielectric substrate is added, then bending deformation is reduced and radiation characteristics are stabilized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation characteristics stabilityVSAvoiddielectric layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric structure is segmented into three distinct layers, each with a specific function. This segmentation allows the rigid dielectric substrate to be added without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure, as each layer can be independently optimized and manufactured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid dielectric substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to prevent bending deformation, acts as a mechanical base for mounting the radiation element, and maintains the spatial relationship between the thin dielectric layers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3703185B1antenna
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 FUJIKURA LTD
  • EP3703185B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3703185B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3703185B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To stabilize radiation characteristics of a radiation element by reducing bending deformation of the radiation element and widen a band of an antenna. An antenna includes: a first flexible dielectric layer; a conductive pattern layer formed on a surface of the first dielectric layer; a second flexible dielectric layer joined to the first dielectric layer on a side opposite to the conductive pattern layer with respect to the first dielectric layer; a conductive ground layer formed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer; a rigid dielectric substrate joined to the second dielectric layer on a side opposite to the conductive ground layer with respect to the second dielectric layer; and an antenna pattern layer formed between the second dielectric layer and the dielectric substrate and including one or more radiation elements, the conductive pattern layer including a feed line for supplying electric power to the radiation elements.