Corner Via Patch Antenna for Compact Metallic Casings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patch antennas in portable electronic radio devices face challenges due to their proximity to electronic components, requiring complex shielding and limiting the use of metallic materials for the device casing, which complicates design and assembly, especially in small form factors like key fobs.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design with a through opening in one corner region, allowing for compactness and circular polarization without affecting orthogonal polarization properties, enabling the use of metallic materials for the device casing and simplifying assembly and connection to the active circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the patch antenna is placed close to electronic components to reduce device size, then the device dimensions are reduced, but mutual interference between the antenna and electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A ground plane is introduced as an intermediary element between the patch antenna and electronic components. This ground plane acts as a shielding barrier that reduces mutual interference while allowing the antenna to be positioned close to components for compact device design. The ground plane is connected to the antenna structure through via holes, creating an effective electromagnetic shield.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding is added to reduce mutual interference, then interference is reduced, but the structure becomes more complicated and assembly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged with the existing ground plane structure of the circuit board. Instead of adding separate shielding components, the ground plane is integrated into the antenna assembly, with via holes serving dual purposes of electrical connection and shielding. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining interference reduction.
3Reliability
If non-metallic materials are used for the device casing to avoid interference, then antenna function is maintained, but the selection of casing materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane serves as an intermediary shielding layer that enables the use of metallic casing materials. By providing electromagnetic shielding between the antenna and the metallic casing, the ground plane allows designers to select from a broader range of materials including metals, while maintaining antenna performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a through opening is added for key fob functionality, then fastening capability is improved, but the antenna structure is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The through opening is positioned asymmetrically in a corner region of the patch antenna, away from the center and feed point. This asymmetric placement minimizes the impact on antenna radiation patterns and electrical performance while still providing the necessary opening for key fob fastening functionality.
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 ensures robust mechanical hold, simplified electrical connection, and allows for the use of metallic materials in the device casing without protruding beyond the antenna limits, facilitating the construction of small-sized portable electronic radio devices, such as key fobs, while maintaining effective antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
a via through-hole electrically connected to the first metal surface for supplying signals to the first metal surface
Implementation Method 2
a first substrate layer arranged between the first metal surface and the second metal surface for electrically insulating the first metal surface from the second metal surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a patch antenna comprising a first metal surface (205), a second metal surface (204), wherein the first and second metal surfaces (205, 204) are arranged parallel to each other, a first substrate layer (202) arranged between the first metal surface (205) and the second metal surface (204) for electrical insulation of the first metal surface (205) from the second metal surface (204), and a via (208) electrically connected to the first metal surface (205) for signal supply to the first metal surface (205), which extends through the substrate layer (207) and the second metal surface (204), wherein a through-hole (203) is arranged in one of the corner regions (212) of the patch antenna at least through the first metal surface (205), the substrate layer (207) and the second metal surface (204).