Compact Three-Polarization Antenna Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Base station antennas require compact designs to minimize size and aesthetic impact in high-traffic areas while maintaining advanced functionality, such as beamforming, and existing solutions do not efficiently utilize space for multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antennas with three orthogonal polarization directions.
Innovation Solution
A compact antenna element comprising two dipole elements and a monopole element, where the dipole elements are rotated 45° and -45° relative to the monopole element, respectively, and collocated on a common antenna reflector, forming a symmetric arrangement around a central axis, with each element having a height of approximately λ/6, enabling efficient use of space and improved isolation between ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If compact antenna elements are used to reduce size, then aesthetic appeal and ease of installation improve, but port-to-port isolation and polarization purity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where dipole elements are positioned at different heights (λ/4 and λ/2 from the ground plane) and rotated at specific angles (45° and -45°). This vertical stacking and angular rotation in multiple dimensions enables compact horizontal footprint while maintaining adequate spatial separation for isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning and orientation of dipole elements - one dipole is rotated 45° while the other is rotated -45° relative to the ground plane, with different heights from the ground plane. This asymmetric configuration optimizes polarization purity and port isolation while achieving compact overall dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antenna elements are collocated to reduce array width, then space utilization improves, but mutual coupling between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves mutual coupling issues by utilizing the vertical dimension - positioning dipole elements at different heights (λ/4 and λ/2 from ground plane) and employing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This vertical separation reduces near-field coupling while maintaining compact horizontal array width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna elements into distinct vertical layers with different orientations - horizontal dipoles at λ/4 height rotated 45°/-45°, and vertical dipole at λ/2 height. This segmentation in vertical space reduces mutual coupling while achieving compact overall array dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional monopole and dipole arrangements are used for three polarizations, then polarization coverage is achieved, but antenna profile and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a compact integrated structure - combining horizontal dipoles (45° and -45° rotated) for one polarization plane with a vertical dipole for the orthogonal polarization plane, all sharing a common ground plane. This unified design achieves three-polarization coverage while minimizing structural complexity and profile.
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 compact antenna element achieves better port-to-port isolation and polarization purity, increasing MIMO capacity and reducing size, with improved performance when elements are closer together, and can detect electromagnetic signals effectively across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a first dipole element configured to emit or receive electromagnetic signals in a first polarization direction, a second dipole element configured to emit or receive electromagnetic signals in a second polarization direction, a monopole element configured to emit or receive electromagnetic signals in a third polarization direction
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
An antenna element for signals with three polarizations and the method for operating such an antenna element are disclosed. In an embodiment the antenna element includes a first dipole element configured to emit or receive electromagnetic signals in a first polarization direction, a second dipole element configured to emit or receive electromagnetic signals in a second polarization direction, a monopole element configured to emit or receive electromagnetic signals in a third polarization direction and an antenna reflector element, wherein the first dipole element, the second dipole element and the monopole element are collocated on the antenna reflector element, and wherein the first polarization direction, the second polarization direction and the third polarization direction are all different.