Dipole Antenna Support Member With Capacitive Gap Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrangements for different frequency bands require separate physical space, leading to increased volume or area usage, and there is a need for a solution that allows multiple antenna arrangements to share the same area or volume effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of support members with conductive arms of dipole antennas, where a second portion of the conductive arm of one dipole antenna provides capacitive coupling across a gap to another dipole antenna, forming an array of dipole antennas in a compact configuration, such as a cuboid shape, allowing for shared space usage without a direct current path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical antenna arrangements are used for different frequency bands, then antenna performance for each band is maintained, but the volume or area required is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dipole antennas for different frequency bands into a single integrated support member structure. The support member contains multiple conductive arms arranged to form dipole antennas of different lengths, all within one physical unit. This merging approach maintains the performance of separate antennas while reducing the overall volume required, as multiple antennas share the same physical space rather than requiring separate physical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the support member to accommodate multiple dipole antennas of different lengths and orientations. By arranging conductive arms in multiple dimensions (different lengths, orientations, and positions within the support member), the design packs multiple antenna functions into a compact volume, transitioning from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional compact integration.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple dipole antennas are integrated into a single support member, then spatial efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed as a universal structure that simultaneously supports multiple dipole antennas for different frequency bands. The single support member performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for all conductive arms, maintains precise spacing between elements, and enables multiple antenna functions (different lengths and orientations) within one component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite integrating multiple antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is divided into multiple conductive arms of different lengths and orientations, each segment serving a specific frequency band. This segmentation allows each antenna element to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a unified support structure. The segmented design simplifies the integration process compared to trying to create a monolithic antenna structure, as each conductive arm can be independently designed and positioned.
3Reliability
If capacitive coupling is used across gaps between conductive arms, then direct current paths are eliminated for isolation, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism to provide electrical connection between conductive arms while maintaining physical isolation. The gaps between conductive arms act as capacitive couplers, allowing electromagnetic field coupling for RF signal transmission while preventing direct current flow. This intermediary approach enables frequency band isolation through the absence of direct DC paths while still maintaining functional connectivity for antenna operation, achieving isolation without requiring perfect physical separation.
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 configuration enables the formation of a compact array of dipole antennas that can operate across multiple frequency bands, improving spatial efficiency and isolation between different frequency bands, while maintaining effective antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion of the conductive arm of the dipole antenna is configured to provide, via capacitive coupling across the gap, a second portion of the conductive arm of the other dipole antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
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AI summary
A support member for arrangement with additional support members to form an array of dipole antennas, the support member comprising: a first portion of a conductive arm of a dipole antenna; a first portion of a conductive arm of another dipole antenna; and a second portion of the conductive arm of the dipole antenna extending from the first portion of the conductive arm of the dipole antenna towards the first portion of the conductive arm of the other dipole antenna, defining a gap in a direct current path between the second portion of the conductive arm of the dipole antenna and the first portion of the conductive arm of the other dipole antenna.