End-Fire Antenna Array for Compact Multi-Polarization Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Antenna arrays for both horizontal and vertical polarization occupy excessive space, particularly in end-fire configurations, which is a challenge in compact electronic devices like smartphones and tablets that require efficient use of space for multiple frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an end-fire antenna array with patch-type radiators for vertical polarization on a ground member and straight radiators for horizontal polarization adjacent to extension parts, with slits between the radiators to minimize space usage, allowing for efficient signal transmission and reception within a smaller footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an end-fire antenna array includes both horizontal and vertical polarization radiators, then the antenna can support multiple polarizations for diverse communication needs, but the space occupied by the antenna array increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple polarizationsVSAvoidspace occupied by antenna array
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges horizontal and vertical polarization radiators into a single integrated end-fire antenna array structure. The ground member with extension parts serves as a common platform for both polarization types, allowing them to share space rather than requiring separate antenna systems. This combining approach enables multi-polarization support while controlling the overall footprint of the antenna array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning straight radiators for horizontal polarization adjacent to extension parts of the ground member, while patch-type radiators for vertical polarization are arranged on the plane part. This vertical stacking and adjacent positioning in multiple dimensions allows both polarization types to coexist in a compact configuration, effectively transitioning from two-dimensional planar layout to three-dimensional spatial utilization.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the antenna array is designed for compact size, then space in electronic devices is efficiently utilized, but the radiation performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by antenna arrayVSAvoidradiation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the antenna array optimized for specific functions. The ground member with extension parts provides localized areas for horizontal polarization radiation, while the plane part with slits creates optimized regions for vertical polarization. Each local region is designed with specific geometric characteristics that enhance its radiation efficiency, ensuring that compactness does not sacrifice the radiation performance of either polarization type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing slits in the plane part of the ground member and adjusting the dimensions and spacing of extension parts and patch-type radiators. These geometric parameter modifications enable the compact antenna structure to achieve resonant frequencies and radiation patterns that maintain effective radiation performance despite the reduced overall size. The slits specifically alter the electrical characteristics to enhance vertical polarization radiation in the compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces the overall space occupied by the antenna array while maintaining effective radiation performance for both polarizations, enhancing the compactness and efficiency of electronic devices without compromising signal quality.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of patch-type radiators arranged on the plane part along the second direction and configured mainly to radiate vertical polarization in the first direction, and a plurality of straight radiators spaced apart from the ground member, respectively arranged to be adjacent to the plurality of extension parts, extending in the first direction, and configured mainly to radiate horizontal polarization in the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3616262B1Antenna device and electronic device comprising antenna
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3616262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3616262B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3616262B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An antenna device includes a ground member including a plane part and a plurality of extension parts extending from one end of the plane part in a first direction and arranged along a second direction, a plurality of patch-type radiators arranged on the plane part along the second direction and configured to radiate vertical polarization, and a plurality of straight radiators spaced apart from the ground member, respectively arranged to be adjacent to the plurality of extension parts, extending in the first direction, and configured to radiate horizontal polarization.