Dielectric Omni-Directional Antenna Structure for Stable Wideband Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas face challenges in achieving wide instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) with stable and controlled omni-directional patterns, ruggedness, low size and weight, placement-insensitivity, and stable operation across frequency, particularly in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric unit with azimuthally uniform and radially symmetric design, featuring conducting surfaces and a non-conducting aperture, allows for instantaneous transmission and reception of wireless signals across a 10:1 bandwidth, with a maximum radius and height that do not exceed one-tenth and one-sixth of the lowest operating wavelength, respectively, and is coupled to a transmission line for efficient signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conical or spherical antennas are made larger to achieve wide bandwidth, then bandwidth increases, but antenna size and weight increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional conical/spherical antenna geometry into a planar configuration with specific dimensional parameters (radius ≤ λL/12, height ≤ λL/6) that enable wide bandwidth operation without the weight penalty of scaled-up conventional antennas. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by achieving wide bandwidth through geometric reconfiguration rather than size increase.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional antennas are placed near conducting objects to achieve compact installation, then installation space decreases, but radiation patterns become distorted and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized electromagnetic environment around the planar antenna elements through the dielectric volume and specific geometric configuration, which isolates the radiation characteristics from external conducting objects. This local field control enables stable omnidirectional patterns even when placed near conducting surfaces, resolving the contradiction between compact installation and pattern stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional conical antennas are used for omnidirectional wideband operation, then omnidirectional coverage is achieved, but beam scanning occurs over frequency which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional single conical antenna into multiple planar antenna elements arranged in a specific configuration. This segmentation allows each element to maintain stable omnidirectional characteristics across frequency while the overall array maintains omnidirectional coverage, eliminating the beam scanning problem of conventional conical antennas.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If spherical or elliptical antennas are made fatter to achieve wide bandwidth, then bandwidth increases, but antenna dimensions exceed half wavelength limiting multi-antenna configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional spherical/elliptical geometry to a planar two-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change enables wide bandwidth operation with reduced volume constraints, allowing multiple antennas to be configured in arrays without the half-wavelength dimension limitation that plagues conventional wideband spherical antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed principles provide novel antennas and corresponding methods of manufacturing thereof. In one aspect, an antenna according to the disclosed principles have a dielectric unit. The dielectric unit may be azimuthally uniform, radially symmetric, or symmetric. The dielectric unit may include a first conducting surface, a second conducting surface, and a non-conducting aperture. The first conducting surface may be located on a first radially interior surface of the dielectric unit and have both convex and concave surfaces. The second conducting surface, oblique to an axis of radial symmetry, may extend radially outward from the axis of radial symmetry. The non-conducting aperture may be located on the radial exterior of the dielectric unit. The first conducting surface and the second conducting surface may define a dielectric volume extending radially toward and terminating in the non-conducting aperture.