Low-Profile Folded Metal Antenna Coplanar Radiating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing density of antenna arrays due to multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology leads to reduced RF isolation between adjacent antennas, as the right-angle protrusion of radiating elements in existing folded metal antennas can cause close spacing and interference.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile folded metal antenna design where the radiating elements remain substantially on the planes of the balun, eliminating the right-angle protrusion and allowing for closer antenna spacings, thereby improving RF isolation, and featuring a simpler fabrication process with fewer folds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the radiating elements are arranged perpendicular to the spacer (right-angle protrusion), then the antenna can be mounted in a compact space between PCB and chassis wall, but the RF isolation between adjacent antennas deteriorates due to close spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating elements are arranged coplanar with the spacer rather than perpendicular to it, changing the spatial dimension of protrusion. This dimensional reorientation allows elements to extend in the same plane as the spacer, increasing separation distance between adjacent antenna elements while maintaining compact overall mounting footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design uses asymmetric arrangement where one radiating element is coplanar with the first spacer surface and the other radiating element is coplanar with the second spacer surface, creating an asymmetric profile that optimizes both space utilization and RF isolation by distributing elements in different planes relative to the spacer.
2Shape
If multiple folds are used in the folded metal antenna structure, then the antenna can achieve the required three-dimensional configuration, but the fabrication complexity and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a balun portion that forms the three-dimensional configuration through multiple folds, and radiating elements that extend coplanar from the balun. This segmentation allows the complex 3D structure to be concentrated in a localized folded section while the radiating elements maintain simpler coplanar geometry, reducing overall fabrication complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
A folded metal dipole antenna includes a balun having two sides, the sides having metal contact end portions for electrical connection to a printed circuit board, two radiating elements, each radiating element in coplanar relationship to a corresponding side of the balun, and an antenna support member having a spacer portion placed between the two sides of the balun. The spacer portion is used to separate one radiating element of the dipole antenna from another radiating element of the dipole antenna.