Bi-element Antenna Ground Plane for Monopole Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna systems using multiple monopole antennas result in undue weight, volume, and complexity due to the need for multiple ground planes and frequency dividers.

Innovation Solution

A bi-element antenna system where a lower element of a bi-element antenna serves as a ground plane for an array of monopole antennas, maximizing ground plane surface area and eliminating the need for multiple ground planes and frequency dividers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple monopole antennas are used in an antenna system, then frequency coverage is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidantenna system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple monopole antennas into a single bi-conical antenna structure that operates across multiple frequency bands. The conical elements are designed to resonate at different frequencies, allowing one integrated antenna to replace multiple separate monopole antennas, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining broad frequency coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-conical antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by operating as a resonant antenna across different frequency bands. The upper and lower conical elements can be tuned to different frequencies, enabling a single antenna structure to provide the frequency diversity that previously required multiple separate antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple monopole antennas are used in an antenna system, then frequency coverage is improved, but volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidantenna system volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple monopole antenna functions into a single bi-conical antenna structure. The conical elements are positioned and dimensioned to provide multi-frequency operation within a compact volume, eliminating the need for multiple separate antenna elements and their associated mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-conical antenna structure nests multiple resonant elements within a single integrated form factor. The upper and lower conical elements are arranged concentrically, with one cone nested within or adjacent to the other, allowing multiple frequency functions to be packed into a smaller overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple monopole antennas are used in an antenna system, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single bi-conical antenna with integrated feed structures. The upper and lower conical elements share common support structures and feeding mechanisms, reducing the number of separate components, mounting brackets, and connection points required compared to multiple independent monopole antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-conical antenna is designed as a universal multi-frequency element where the upper and lower cones can be independently or collectively excited to provide different frequency coverage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate antenna elements for different frequency bands, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 reduces the weight, volume, and complexity of the antenna system while optimizing the operation of monopole antennas for lower frequencies and the bi-element antenna for higher frequencies within a single aperture, enhancing gain uniformity and frequency range.

Implementation Method 1

a lower element of a bi-element antenna; and an array of monopole antennas coupled with the lower element of the bi-element antenna, the lower element of the bi-element operable as a ground plane for the array of monopole antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGround plane effect: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS11177563B2Lower element ground plane apparatus and methods for an antenna system

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A lower element ground plane apparatus for maximizing ground plane surface area in an antenna system, the apparatus involving a lower element of a bi-element antenna and an array of monopole antennas coupled with the lower element of the bi-element antenna, the lower element of the bi-element antenna operable as a ground plane for the array of monopole antennas, whereby ground plane surface area is maximized.