Antenna Height Reduction via Split-Ring Resonator Metamaterials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas face challenges in reducing size due to the structure requirements of dielectric substrates and conductive reflectors, making it difficult to miniaturize them effectively.
Innovation Solution
The integration of split-ring resonators between a radiation module and a conductive reflector on a dielectric substrate, which reduces the wavelength of electromagnetic waves and allows for a thinner antenna design, enabling size reduction without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional reflector structure is used to form a high-impedance surface, then the reflective performance is improved, but the antenna height increases due to the required thickness of the reflector structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the space between the reflector and radiating element by filling it with dielectric material and placing split-ring resonators. This alters the effective permeability and permittivity, allowing the antenna to achieve proper impedance matching and resonance at a reduced height without compromising reflective performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining dielectric material with split-ring resonators (metamaterial elements) to create a medium with tailored electromagnetic properties. This composite fills the space between the reflector and radiating element, enabling wavelength reduction and height miniaturization while maintaining or enhancing antenna performance
2Reliability
If dielectric substrate and conductive reflector structures are used, then the antenna can function properly, but the overall size cannot be reduced effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electromagnetic parameters of the antenna system by introducing split-ring resonators and dielectric material, which change the effective wavelength and impedance characteristics. This allows the antenna to maintain proper functionality at a reduced volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the volume reduction problem by primarily reducing the height dimension (vertical direction) between the reflector and radiating element. By compressing the structure in one dimension while using metamaterials to compensate, the overall volume is reduced without completely compromising functionality
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 configuration allows for a significant reduction in antenna height by altering the effective magnetic permeability, enabling smaller antenna dimensions without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive reflector reflects radio waves emitted by the radiation module towards the conductive reflector
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to reduce the wavelength of electromagnetic waves occurring in the periphery of split-ring resonators (i.e. the wavelength of electromagnetic waves occurring in the area between a conductive reflector and a radiation module) at the operating frequency of a radiation module
Data Source
AI summary
A small-size antenna for wireless communication includes a conductive reflector, a dielectric substrate disposed on the conductive reflector, a radiation module that is disposed on the main surface of the dielectric substrate so as to emit radio waves, a power supply configured to supply power to the radiation module disposed on the main surface of the dielectric substrate, and a plurality of split-ring resonators that are disposed in an area between the radiation module and the conductive reflector on the main surface of the dielectric substrate. The conductive reflector reflects radio waves emitted by the radiation module towards the conductive reflector. Each of the split-ring resonators includes a split having first and second ends disposed oppositely and separated from each other, and a ring connected between the first and second ends.