Planar Dual-Band Patch Antenna With Filtered GNSS Band Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stacked patch antennas have increased height, higher costs, and limited bandwidth due to the separation of high-frequency and low-frequency patches, which is not suitable for compact and low-cost device designs, particularly for applications like 3D positioning using satellite signals.

Innovation Solution

A dual-band patch antenna design where high-frequency and low-frequency patches are combined on the same plane, with an inner conductor forming a high-frequency patch and an outer conductor forming a low-frequency patch, separated by a filter that allows efficient operation in two separate frequency bands by blocking or allowing signals based on frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stacked patch antennas are used to cover two separate frequency ranges, then dual-band operation is achieved, but the antenna height increases and bandwidth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual-band operation capabilityVSAvoidantenna height
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the high-frequency and low-frequency patches into a single planar structure rather than stacking them vertically. The inner conductor forms a high-frequency patch while the outer conductor forms a low-frequency patch, both operating simultaneously in the same plane, thereby eliminating the need for vertical stacking and reducing overall antenna height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a three-dimensional stacked configuration to a two-dimensional planar configuration. By arranging both frequency bands' patches in the same plane and using a filter to separate the frequency ranges, the antenna achieves dual-band operation without increasing height in the vertical dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If stacked patch antennas are used to cover two separate frequency ranges, then dual-band operation is achieved, but the bandwidth is lower than desired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual-band operation capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both frequency band patches in a single planar structure, allowing them to share the same physical space and electromagnetic environment. This merging approach enables broader bandwidth coverage by eliminating the bandwidth limitations imposed by vertical stacking and improving signal reception across both frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If stacked patch antennas are used to cover two separate frequency ranges, then dual-band operation is achieved, but the cost increases due to high-quality materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual-band operation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates dual-band functionality into a single planar antenna structure, reducing the total amount of high-quality conductive and dielectric materials required compared to stacked configurations. This merging approach lowers material costs and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining dual-band operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If vertical space is divided between two antennas, then separate frequency operation is enabled, but the available bandwidth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency separation capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component between the inner and outer conductors. This filter enables frequency separation by allowing low-frequency signals to pass while blocking high-frequency signals, thereby achieving frequency division without requiring vertical stacking. This intermediary approach preserves bandwidth by allowing both patches to operate in the same plane with full access to available vertical space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improves performance by utilizing all available vertical space, enhances bandwidth, and reduces costs, making it suitable for compact devices that require simultaneous operation in multiple frequency ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a filter disposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, the filter being configured to at least partially block electrical signals at the upper GNSS frequency band and to let pass electrical signals at the lower GNSS frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

an inner conductor disposed above the ground plane, the inner conductor forming a high-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at an upper GNSS frequency band; an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, the outer conductor and the inner conductor collectively forming a low-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at a lower GNSS frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4009441B1Filtered dual-band patch antenna
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 TRIMBLE INC
  • EP4009441B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4009441B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4009441B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A dual-band patch antenna is described. The antenna includes a ground plane. The antenna also includes an inner conductor disposed above the ground plane. The inner conductor forms a high-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at an upper frequency band. The antenna further includes an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The outer conductor and the inner conductor collectively form a low-frequency patch for receiving radio waves at a lower frequency band. The antenna further includes a filter disposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. The filter is configured to at least partially block electrical signals at the upper GNSS frequency band and to let pass electrical signals at the lower GNSS frequency band.