Conductive Support Antenna for Harsh Environment Structural Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional omnidirectional antennas face challenges in withstanding harsh conditions such as high winds, vibrations, and temperature changes due to their long length and small profile, which restricts the use of metallic reinforcement that could compromise radiation patterns.

Innovation Solution

A longitudinal support member made of conductive material within the antenna provides structural support and serves as a ground plane, allowing radiating patches to wrap around it without obstructing the radiation field, while signal supply circuitry is mounted on the outer surface for secure and efficient signal coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic reinforcement is used to strengthen the antenna structure, then the mechanical strength and stability are improved, but the radiation pattern is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidradiation pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A non-conductive support structure (rod or frame) is introduced as an intermediary element to provide mechanical strength without interfering with the electromagnetic radiation. This support structure holds the radiating elements in proper positions while being electrically isolated from them, thus maintaining the intended radiation pattern while improving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic reinforcement is extracted or removed from the antenna structure entirely. Instead, non-conductive materials (such as plastic rods, fiberglass, or other dielectric supports) are used to provide the necessary mechanical strength, thereby eliminating the harmful interaction between metal and electromagnetic waves that would distort the radiation pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the antenna is made with long length and small profile, then the omnidirectional radiation capability is achieved, but the ability to withstand harsh conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation capabilityVSAvoidwithstand capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is segmented into multiple components: a central support structure, radiating elements positioned at specific intervals, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the long antenna to be constructed from manageable sections that can be individually strengthened and assembled, improving overall structural integrity while maintaining the required length for omnidirectional radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna employs composite construction combining non-conductive structural materials (for strength and stability) with conductive radiating elements. The support structure may use materials like aluminum alloy or reinforced plastics that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, while the radiating elements are positioned to maintain electrical isolation from the support, creating a composite system that achieves both mechanical robustness and radiation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 design results in a lightweight, robust, and cost-effective multi-directional antenna that maintains radiation efficiency and can operate in multiple frequency bands simultaneously, addressing the limitations of conventional omnidirectional antennas in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one signal feed probe configured to capacitively supply a signal to a corresponding at least one radiating patch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

said longitudinal support member is formed of a conductive material and forms a ground plane for said antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11258178B2Antenna and method of assembly of such antenna
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 RFS TECH INC
  • US11258178B2 patent drawing
  • US11258178B2 patent drawing
  • US11258178B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna comprising: a longitudinal support member for supporting components of the antenna and a method of assembling such an antenna is disclosed. The components supported by the longitudinal member comprise: at least one signal feed probe configured to capacitively supply a signal to a corresponding at least one radiating patch; the at least one radiating patch mounted to at least partially wraparound the longitudinal support member; and signal supply circuitry for supplying a signal to the at least one signal feed. The signal supply circuitry is mounted on an outer surface of the inner longitudinal support member; and the longitudinal support member is formed of a conductive material and forms a ground plane for the antenna.