Antenna Structure With Segmented Radiation Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna technologies using liquid crystal layers for frequency modulation require thick layers, increasing manufacturing costs and power consumption, and have slow response speeds due to discrete frequency adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The antenna structure incorporates a thin liquid crystal layer with a multi-capacitance path design, utilizing first and second radiation assemblies and a ground plane to generate a fringe radiation field that changes radiation frequency with capacitance changes, allowing for continuous frequency modulation with reduced layer thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thick liquid crystal layer is used for frequency modulation, then the manufacturing cost increases, but the frequency modulation capability is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation assembly is segmented into multiple conductors (first conductors and second conductors) arranged in specific patterns. These segmented conductors create multiple capacitance paths with the ground plane, allowing frequency modulation through capacitance changes without requiring a thick liquid crystal layer. The segmentation enables the system to achieve frequency modulation through geometric and capacitive design rather than relying on liquid crystal thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thick liquid crystal layer is used, then the manufacturing cost increases, but the response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation assembly is segmented into multiple conductors (first conductors and second conductors) arranged in specific patterns. These segmented conductors create multiple capacitance paths with the ground plane, allowing frequency modulation through capacitance changes without requiring a thick liquid crystal layer. The segmentation enables the system to achieve frequency modulation through geometric and capacitive design rather than relying on liquid crystal thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thick liquid crystal layer is used, then the manufacturing cost increases, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation assembly is segmented into multiple conductors (first conductors and second conductors) arranged in specific patterns. These segmented conductors create multiple capacitance paths with the ground plane, allowing frequency modulation through capacitance changes without requiring a thick liquid crystal layer. The segmentation enables the system to achieve frequency modulation through geometric and capacitive design rather than relying on liquid crystal thickness.
4Device complexity
If discrete frequency adjustments are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the frequency modulation is not continuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the capacitance parameter of the liquid crystal layer by applying different voltages to the first and second conductors. This voltage-controlled capacitance change enables continuous frequency modulation of the antenna without requiring complex mechanical or electronic switching mechanisms. The capacitance parameter can be adjusted continuously through voltage control, achieving smooth frequency transitions.
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 reduces the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, lowering manufacturing costs and power consumption while enabling efficient continuous frequency modulation, achieving a 14-fold reduction in layer thickness and 8% radiation frequency modulation with lower voltage.
Implementation Method 1
use the anisotropy of the liquid crystal material to realize electrical adjustment and achieve continuous modulation capability
Implementation Method 2
utilizing first and second radiation assemblies and a ground plane to generate a fringe radiation field that changes radiation frequency with capacitance changes
Implementation Method 3
the fringe radiation field of the patch antenna may change the radiation frequency according to the capacitance change generated by the multi-capacitance path
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure includes a patch antenna including two opposite edges, a microstrip line connected to the patch antenna, two first radiation assemblies respectively disposed on two sides of the patch antenna, two second radiation assemblies disposed under the two first radiation assemblies, a liquid crystal layer disposed between a first plane and a second plane, and a ground plane disposed under the two second radiation assemblies. The patch antenna, the microstrip line, and the two first radiation assemblies are located on the first plane, and each of the first radiation assemblies includes multiple separated first conductors. The two second radiation assemblies are located on the second plane, and each of the second radiation assemblies includes multiple separated second conductors. A projection of the two second radiation assemblies on the first plane, the two first radiation assemblies, and the two edges of the patch antenna collectively form two loops.