Ear-Worn Antenna Cutouts for Wider 2.4 GHz Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing small RF antennas for ear-worn electronic hearing devices, such as those operating over the 2.4 GHz ISM band, faces challenges including low feed point impedance, inability to meet total radiated power requirements due to low radiation efficiency, and narrow frequency bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of cutouts along the periphery of the antenna or interior windows to increase the electrical length without increasing the physical size, enhancing radiation efficiency and impedance bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the physical size of the antenna is reduced to fit ear-worn devices, then the device can be worn in the ear, but the radiation efficiency and electrical length deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing cutouts along the periphery of the antenna element, which transforms the current path from a simple linear trajectory to a meandering path that utilizes the two-dimensional surface area more effectively. This increases the electrical length without proportionally increasing the physical footprint, thereby maintaining radiation efficiency in a compact form factor suitable for ear-worn devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or meandering path designs within the antenna structure, where the current distribution follows curved trajectories rather than straight lines. This curvature principle allows the antenna to achieve greater electrical length within a smaller physical boundary, improving radiation efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions for ear-worn application
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna physical size is reduced, then the device fits in the ear, but the electrical length and impedance bandwidth narrow
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the two-dimensional surface area of the antenna element with strategic cutouts, the patent achieves extended electrical length that broadens the impedance bandwidth. The cutouts create multiple current paths and resonance modes within the same physical footprint, enhancing the antenna's adaptability across different frequencies without increasing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna element by introducing cutouts that divide the continuous structure into multiple sections. This segmentation creates distributed current paths that can resonate at multiple frequencies, thereby expanding the impedance bandwidth while maintaining a compact overall structure suitable for ear-worn devices
3Loss of energy
If cutouts are added to increase electrical length, then radiation efficiency improves, but the antenna structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses smooth curved or meandering path designs for the cutouts rather than sharp angular features. This curvature approach maintains radiation efficiency by ensuring continuous current distribution while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing structural complexity compared to more intricate segmented designs
Data Source
AI summary
An ear-worn electronic hearing device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by, at, in or on an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is disposed in or on the enclosure and operably coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna has a physical size and comprises a plurality of cutouts disposed along a periphery of the antenna. The cutouts are configured to increase an electrical length of the antenna without an increase in the physical size of the antenna. The antenna can comprise at least one interior window having a window periphery. A plurality of window cutouts are disposed along the window periphery. The window cutouts are configured to increase a path length of current distribution along the window periphery.