Choke Shroud Ridges for Antenna Signal Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication systems, particularly those using parabolic antennas, face challenges such as limited range, poor signal quality, interference, mechanical damage, and high costs, especially in extending communication to remote areas where laying optical fibers is not economically feasible.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a choke shroud apparatus with a cylindrical shape that couples with a parabolic reflector antenna, featuring a choke boundary region with concentrically spaced ridges and channels to attenuate and reflect RF electromagnetic radiation, improving signal isolation and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a parabolic antenna is used for long-range wireless communication, then the communication range is extended, but signal quality deteriorates due to interference and limited isolation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A choke shroud is introduced as an intermediary component between the parabolic antenna and the surrounding environment. The shroud includes a choke boundary with concentric ridges that act as a mediator to block reflected RF signals and interference from reaching the antenna, thereby improving signal quality while maintaining the long-range communication capability of the parabolic antenna

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The choke boundary structure converts harmful reflected RF signals and interference into a beneficial isolation mechanism. By strategically placing ridges at specific heights and spacing, the design transforms potential sources of interference into a shielding effect that enhances signal quality and provides greater than 10 dB isolation between adjacent antennas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are placed in close proximity for point-to-point connections, then system versatility is improved, but harmful interference increases between antennas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepoint-to-point connection capabilityVSAvoidinterference between antennas
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The choke shroud serves as a physical intermediary barrier between adjacent antennas. The choke boundary with its concentric ridges creates an isolation zone that prevents RF signals from one antenna from interfering with adjacent antennas, enabling multiple antennas to operate in close proximity without mutual interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation structure provides localized quality improvement around each antenna. By concentrating the choke boundary design specifically at the antenna aperture region, the solution targets the local interference problem without affecting the overall system architecture or requiring changes to distant components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If optical fibers are laid to extend communication reach, then signal quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The choke shroud uses inexpensive materials such as metal sheets or plastic with conductive coating to achieve isolation. This disposable-like approach replaces the need for expensive optical fiber infrastructure in remote areas, providing a cost-effective alternative that delivers adequate signal quality without the high installation and maintenance costs of fiber optics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes the mechanical installation of optical fibers with a simpler mechanical assembly involving the choke shroud. Instead of requiring complex fiber laying, splicing, and termination processes, the solution uses a straightforward mechanical attachment of the shroud to the antenna, dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The choke shroud apparatus enhances signal quality and isolation, providing greater than 10 dB isolation and suppressing RF signals between 9 GHz and 41 GHz, thereby improving the effectiveness of wireless communication systems, especially in long-range and point-to-point connections.

Implementation Method 1

a choke boundary region with concentrically spaced ridges and channels to attenuate and reflect RF electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a choke boundary region with concentrically spaced ridges and channels to attenuate and reflect RF electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3207592B1Signal isolation shrouds and reflectors for antenna
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 UBIQUITI INC
  • EP3207592B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3207592B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1F
  • EP3207592B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D

AI summary

Shroud isolation, including choke shroud isolation, apparatuses for wireless antennas for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission/communication of high bandwidth signals, and integrated reflectors including a shroud or choke shroud. A choke shroud systems may include a cylindrical body with an isolation choke boundary at the distal opening to attenuate electromagnetic signals to, from, or within the antenna. The isolation choke boundary region may have ridges that may be tuned to a band of interest. The isolation choke boundary may provide RF isolation when used near other antennas.