Coaxial Multiband Antenna with Chokes for VHF UHF Satellite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication antennas for vehicles are typically designed for specific frequency ranges, requiring separate antennas for VHF, UHF, and satellite communications, which increases size and complexity, whereas there is a need for a compact antenna that can efficiently operate across multiple frequency bands, including VHF, UHF, and satellite frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial antenna design that combines VHF and UHF antennas on a common radiating element, with chokes to limit efficiency at specific frequency ranges, allowing for shared operation across multiple bands, including 30-88 MHz, 108-156 MHz, 225-450 MHz, and 1350-1850 MHz, fitting within a standard whip antenna footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antennas are used for VHF, UHF, and satellite communications, then each antenna can be optimized for its specific frequency range, but the overall size and complexity of the antenna system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines VHF, UHF, and satellite communication antennas into a single integrated antenna structure. The common radiating element serves multiple frequency bands, while frequency-selective surfaces and chokes differentiate the functional zones within the unified structure, achieving multi-band operation without requiring separate antenna systems
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is designed with universal functionality to operate across multiple frequency bands (VHF, UHF, and satellite bands) simultaneously. The common radiating element and frequency-selective surfaces enable a single antenna to perform the functions that previously required multiple specialized antennas
2Reliability
If separate antennas are used for VHF, UHF, and satellite communications, then each antenna can be optimized for its specific frequency range, but the overall size of the antenna system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where frequency-selective surfaces and functional zones are integrated within the common radiating element. The L-band and C-band functional zones are nested within the overall antenna structure, allowing multiple frequency band capabilities to be contained within a single compact antenna footprint rather than requiring separate antenna assemblies
3Device complexity
If a single antenna structure is used for multiple frequency bands, then size and complexity are reduced, but achieving efficient operation across all bands becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating frequency-selective surfaces with different properties at different locations and depths within the antenna structure. The L-band and C-band functional zones have distinct electromagnetic characteristics tailored to their respective frequency requirements, while the common radiating element provides the shared structural foundation. This localized differentiation enables efficient multi-band operation within a unified structure
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 solution enables efficient communication across multiple frequency bands using a single antenna structure, reducing size and complexity while maintaining performance, as demonstrated by the antenna's ability to operate similarly to the Army's AS3900A whip antenna and provide effective elevation coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The radiating elements are capable of operating in a first frequency range of interest and the chokes limit the operating efficiency of at least portions of the radiating elements at the second frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial antenna is implemented that combines a VHF and UHF antenna on a common radiating element. The antenna may further include a satellite antenna that, together with the VHF/UHF antenna fits into a whip antenna footprint.