Compressed Circularly Polarized Omni-Directional Antenna Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circularly polarized omnidirectional antennas are typically larger than linearly polarized antennas, making them unsuitable for smaller devices such as WiFi systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, and they often have open-type dipoles that require multiple electrical connections and a central axis, which is not desirable for compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A compressed closed-circuit circularly polarized omnidirectional antenna design featuring a plurality of conductive elements curved or bent around a central axis, with each element being a closed loop electrically connected on both ends, tilted to achieve circular polarization, and a feedline system connected via a coaxial cable, potentially made from stamped metal or printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional circularly polarized omnidirectional antenna design is used, then circular polarization and omnidirectional radiation are achieved, but the antenna size becomes much larger than linearly polarized antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple conductive elements (rings, arcs, or sectors) concentrically around a central axis, nesting them in a compact cylindrical arrangement. Each element is positioned at a different radial distance from the center, allowing multiple radiating structures to occupy a small volume while maintaining circular polarization through their geometric arrangement and tilt angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna elements to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by tilting the conductive elements at specific angles relative to the horizontal plane. This vertical dimensionality enables circular polarization without requiring large horizontal area, compressing the antenna structure along the elevation axis while maintaining omnidirectional radiation in the horizontal plane.
2Device complexity
If open-type dipole elements are used, then circular polarization can be achieved, but multiple electrical connections and a central axis are required, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the central feed axis requirement by using closed-loop conductive elements that are electrically self-contained. Each closed loop element can be fed independently or in combination, eliminating the need for a central dipole structure and reducing the number of electrical connections required to achieve circular polarization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the topological parameter of the conductive elements from open dipoles to closed loops. This topological transformation allows the elements to be electrically continuous without requiring breaks or central feeds, simplifying the connection architecture while maintaining the current distribution necessary for circular polarization.
3Reliability
If more conductive elements are added to improve radiation pattern, then circular polarization and omnidirectional coverage are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna into multiple discrete conductive elements (rings, arcs, or sector shapes) arranged concentrically around a central axis. Each segment can be manufactured separately using standard PCB or stamped metal techniques, then assembled by stacking or mounting them at specified positions and tilt angles, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or similar conductive element geometries (all rings, all arcs, or all sectors) that can be manufactured using the same process and mounted using the same assembly method. This universality allows multiple elements to be produced in bulk and assembled systematically, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of elements.
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 design results in a smaller, more durable, and easier-to-assemble antenna with reduced electrical connections, suitable for applications like video piloting, drone vehicles, mesh networking, and Wi-Fi, while maintaining effective radiation patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a radio transmitter supplies an electric current to the antenna's terminals, and the antenna radiates the energy from the current as electromagnetic waves (radio waves)
Implementation Method 2
Each element in the plurality of conductive elements is tilted from horizontal... This tilt angle may be between 5 and 52 degrees from horizontal... for a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) pattern or upward to the left for a left-hand circularly polarized pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Compressed closed circuit circularly polarized (CLCP) omni-directional antennas and methods of fabrication are described. Such an antenna reduces the size of conventional circularly polarized antennas while also allowing increased axial ratio. An antenna comprises a plurality of conductive elements at an angle of between 5 and 52 degrees spaced radially around a multi-element feed system. The multi-element feed system may be made from a PCB and fed from a coaxial cable. The plurality of conductive elements may contain between 2 and 8 individual conductive elements. Each element in the plurality of conductive elements is a closed loop. The antenna may be covered by a protective housing which may also further reduce the size of the antenna.