Dual-band Patch Antenna Using Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patch antennas have limited bandwidth, typically around 5% or less than their resonant frequency, and increasing the size of the antenna assembly to support multiple frequencies leads to increased size, weight, and cost due to interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-band patch antenna design with a dielectric support structure and electrically-conducting paths that allow for wideband operation by optimizing the distance between patch antennas and incorporating insertion losses to prevent radiation interference, enabling operation at a first frequency and its integer multiple with minimized size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the antenna assembly is increased to support multiple frequencies, then the antenna can operate at multiple frequencies without interference, but the size, weight, and cost of the antenna increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar spacing to three-dimensional stacked configuration, placing patch antennas at different heights above the ground plane. This vertical dimension allows multiple frequencies to operate simultaneously without requiring increased horizontal separation, thereby maintaining reduced weight while achieving multi-frequency capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple patch antennas are stacked vertically within a compact volume. Each patch antenna operates at a different frequency, and they are nested in the vertical dimension rather than requiring lateral separation, thus achieving multi-frequency operation without proportional weight increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the antenna assembly is increased to support multiple frequencies, then the antenna can operate at multiple frequencies without interference, but the size, weight, and cost of the antenna increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (height above ground plane) to separate different frequency operations, rather than requiring increased horizontal length or width. This allows compact overall dimensions while achieving multi-frequency capability through vertical stacking of patch antennas at different heights.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the antenna assembly is increased to support multiple frequencies, then the antenna can operate at multiple frequencies without interference, but the size, weight, and cost of the antenna increase
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to vertical stacking in the height dimension, the patent achieves multi-frequency operation without requiring proportional increases in overall antenna assembly weight. The compact vertical arrangement allows multiple patches to share the same support structure and ground plane, reducing total material requirements compared to lateral expansion.
4Volume of moving object
If patch antennas are placed close together to reduce size, then the antenna assembly size is minimized, but radiation interference occurs between frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves interference by separating antennas in the vertical dimension (different heights above ground plane) rather than requiring large horizontal distances. This vertical separation provides sufficient isolation to prevent radiation interference between frequency bands while maintaining a compact overall volume through efficient use of three-dimensional space.
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 dual-band patch antenna achieves wideband operation with reduced size and weight, minimizing interference and improving cost and performance by using a dielectric support and strategically placed insertion losses to enhance bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
Electrically-conducting paths are coupled to the dielectric support for electrically coupling the feed point to the first patch antenna and second patch antenna
Implementation Method 2
A dielectric support is provided on which the first patch antenna and second patch antenna are mounted
Implementation Method 3
a first patch antenna for operation at a first frequency and a second patch antenna for operation at a second frequency that is an integer multiple of the first frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-band patch antenna includes a first patch antenna for operation at a first frequency and a second patch antenna for operation at a second frequency that is an integer multiple of the first frequency. A dielectric support is provided on which the first and second patch antennas are mounted. A nearest distance defined between the first and second patch antennas is a function of the second frequency and a dielectric constant of the dielectric support. The dielectric support has a feed point adapted to have a transmission line electrically coupled thereto. Electrically-conducting paths are coupled to the dielectric support for electrically coupling the feed point to the first and second patch antennas where at least one such electrically-conducting path has an insertion loss that is greater than 0 dB and less than or equal to 3 dB.