Flat Antenna Structure Using Plastic Intermediate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flat antenna structures made of Teflon are expensive, difficult to recycle, and have inefficient manufacturing processes, necessitating a new material and design to adjust antenna characteristics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flat antenna structure comprising a first metal plate, an intermediate layer with a hole, a metal ring, and a second metal plate, where the intermediate layer is made of plastic instead of Teflon, allowing for adjustable antenna characteristics by varying the diameters of the hole and metal ring, and enabling electrical connection through the metal ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Teflon is used as the base material of the flat antenna, then the antenna has low dielectric constant and good electrical properties, but the material is expensive and difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive Teflon with a cheaper plastic material for the intermediate layer. The design accepts that the antenna may need replacement rather than focusing on infinite recyclability, prioritizing low cost and ease of manufacture while maintaining functional performance through the plastic material and adjustable geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from Teflon to plastic, and simultaneously introduces geometric parameters (hole diameter, metal ring dimensions) as adjustable variables to compensate for material differences, thereby maintaining electrical performance while reducing cost.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Teflon is used for the flat antenna structure, then the antenna achieves stable electrical performance, but the manufacturing process causes material waste and is difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable mindset with the plastic intermediate layer, accepting material waste in exchange for dramatically reduced manufacturing cost and simplified production. The plastic material allows for easier manufacturing processes with less waste compared to Teflon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure using plastic (intermediate layer) combined with metal (conductive layers and metal ring). This composite approach compensates for the lower dielectric constant of plastic compared to Teflon through optimized geometric design, achieving stable electrical performance through material combination rather than relying on a single expensive material.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flat antenna structure is designed with fixed geometry, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the antenna characteristics cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable geometric parameters (hole diameter, metal ring inner/outer diameters, metal ring width) that can be modified to tune antenna characteristics. This dynamic design allows the same basic structure to be adapted for different frequency ranges and performance requirements while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the antenna design from fixed geometry to variable geometry by introducing multiple adjustable dimensional parameters. These parameter changes enable customization of antenna characteristics (resonant frequency, impedance, bandwidth) without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process or structure type.
4Reliability
If a metal ring is added to connect the first and second metal plates, then electrical connection and structural stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between the first and second metal plates, acts as a structural support element, defines the resonator geometry, and serves as a mounting feature for the intermediate layer. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by eliminating the need for separate elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and structural support function into a single metal ring component. Instead of using separate connectors and support structures, the metal ring combines both roles, reducing the overall number of parts and assembly steps despite adding a new element to the design.
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 design allows for adjustable antenna characteristics and reduces material costs and waste by using a plastic intermediate layer, maintaining a low dielectric constant while preventing deformation during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator is formed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate layer is made of plastic instead of Teflon... maintaining a low dielectric constant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flat antenna structure. The flat antenna structure includes a first metal plate, an intermediate layer, a metal ring, and a second metal plate. The intermediate layer has a first hole, and the intermediate layer is installed above and connected to the first metal plate. The metal ring is connected to the first metal plate through the first hole. The second metal plate has a second hole. The second metal plate is connected to the metal ring and the first metal plate. The intermediate layer and the metal ring are wrapped by the first metal plate and the second metal plate. The second metal plate can be electrically connected to the first metal plate via the metal ring, and a resonator is formed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate. A characteristic of the flat antenna can be adjusted by changing the diameters of the first hole and the metal ring.