Coaxial Cable Antenna Structure for Drone Power and Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flying machine systems face limitations in autonomy due to battery power and oversizing issues from antenna installations, as well as the need for separate power and radiating elements, which complicates flight stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable-based antenna structure that integrates both power supply and radiating functions, utilizing a cut in the cable with a current isolator and a recess for RF signal short-circuiting, allowing the same cable to serve as both attachment and power supply, with specific lengths and components like ferrite beads for efficient V-UHF frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate antenna and power cable are installed on the flying machine, then the radiating element function is achieved, but the machine becomes oversized and flight stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply cable and radiating element into a single integrated coaxial cable structure. The outer braid of the coaxial cable serves as both the power return path and one arm of the dipole antenna, while the inner core provides power forward path and the other antenna arm. This merging eliminates separate components that would increase mass and complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving radiating function and maintaining flight stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial cable is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power transmission from the ground station to the flying machine, serves as a radiating element for V-UHF frequency transmission, and acts as the tether connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna and power cable systems, reducing overall system mass and improving flight stability while maintaining all required functions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is fitted to the flying machine for power supply, then autonomy is improved, but the energy capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground station as an intermediary power source that supplies unlimited electrical energy through the coaxial cable to the flying machine. This external power source acts as a mediator between the ground and the flying machine, eliminating the need for limited onboard battery capacity while maintaining continuous operation. The ground station's power supply capability directly extends the operational duration without the constraints of battery energy density.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate power supply and radiating elements are used, then functional independence is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply conductors and radiating element conductors into a single coaxial cable assembly. The inner core and outer braid of the coaxial cable simultaneously carry power and RF signals, with the cable's physical structure providing both electrical connection and antenna function. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components, connectors, and mounting requirements, directly reducing system complexity while maintaining functional independence through the cable's dual-mode operation.
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 integrated solution enhances flight stability by reducing mass and complexity, enabling efficient power and signal transmission over a wide bandwidth, extending the radio range and autonomy of flying machines like drones.
Implementation Method 1
The current isolator device is, for example, made up of ferrite beads
Implementation Method 2
said coaxial cable comprising a core and a braid, a first end connected to the station comprising a transmitter/receiver, a power supply
Implementation Method 3
a first section of cable, the coaxial cable comprises a cut delimiting a first upper part of cable of length H1 and a second lower part of cable of length H2, the two parts forming a radiating element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna structure (60) for a carrier (2) connected to a station (1) by a coaxial cable (6), characterized in that it comprises at least the following elements: • a cut (30) delimiting a first portion (3s) of length H1 and a second portion (3i) of length H2, forming a radiating element (3) isolated from a second section (4) by means of a current insulator (34), • At the cut (30), the core (65) of the coaxial cable on the lower face (32) of the cut (30) is connected to the braid (63) of the coaxial cable on the upper face (31) of the cut (30), and the core (65) of the coaxial cable on the upper face (31) of the cut (30) is connected to the braid (63) of the coaxial cable on the lower face (32) of the cut (30), • The first upper portion (3s) has a recess (36) in the coaxial cable (6) adapted to insert a short circuit (33) for signals whose frequency is equal to the working frequency.