Dual-Polarized Antenna Array Layout for Full Spherical Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of implementing mmWave antennas in user equipment (UE) devices with full spherical coverage is exacerbated by the limited space due to expanding display sizes, which conventional designs struggle to address while maintaining omnicoverage radiation properties.
Innovation Solution
A compact dual-polarization antenna array is designed with a first monopole antenna array on one side of a substrate and a second dipole-shaped coupler array on the other, connected by a metal strip member, allowing for shared geometry and reduced size, enhanced bandwidth, and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional antenna arrays are used to achieve full spherical coverage, then omnicoverage radiation properties are maintained, but the antenna size becomes too large for devices with big displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two differently polarized antenna arrays (first and second antenna arrays with orthogonal polarizations) into a single integrated structure that shares common geometric elements. The first monopole antenna element and second monopole antenna element share a common base structure and metal strip member, allowing both arrays to occupy the same physical space while maintaining distinct radiation patterns for full spherical coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical stacking) by disposing the first antenna array on a first side of the substrate and the second antenna array on a second side of the substrate, with the metal strip member on a third layer. This three-dimensional arrangement allows compact integration of dual-polarized antennas while maintaining omnidirectional coverage in all spatial dimensions
2Area of stationary object
If display size is extended to cover the whole front face, then display area is increased, but space available for antennas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the second antenna array within the same spatial envelope as the first antenna array by using shared geometric structures. The dipole shaped coupler and monopole antenna elements are arranged to occupy overlapping or adjacent regions in the same layer, effectively nesting multiple antenna functions into a compact footprint that preserves display area
3Ease of operation
If antenna arrays are placed next to the display unit, then display side radiation is achieved, but space for antennas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into two independently feedable antenna arrays with different polarizations, each capable of being optimized for specific radiation patterns. The first antenna array can be optimized for display-side radiation while the second array provides complementary coverage, allowing flexible beamforming and steering to achieve omnicoverage from limited 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 solution provides wide beam coverage and improved data throughput through dual polarization, enabling integration into devices with large displays without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
The metal strip member and the first monopole antenna are separated by a gap (300a). The metal strip member and the at least one second monopole antenna are separated by the gap. In this manner, the metal strip member is capacitively coupled to the first monopole antenna element and the second monopole antenna element.
Implementation Method 2
Beam steering techniques such as phased antenna array can be utilized to steer the beam towards different direction on demand.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes a first antenna array disposed on a first side of a substrate and at least one second antenna array disposed on the second side of the substrate. The first antenna array is made up of a first monopole antenna element and at least a second monopole antenna element. A metal strip member is coupled to the first monopole antenna element and to the second monopole antenna element. The second antenna array comprises a dipole shaped coupler. The first antenna array and the second antenna array are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and occupy a common space. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an antenna arrangement that is extremely compact since the geometry of two differently polarized antenna arrays is shared between the antennas. Physically smaller antennas are beneficial given the small volumes available for antennas in devices with big displays.