Multi-band Antenna with Flexible PCB Radiating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems struggle to cover a wide frequency range, particularly beyond 8 GHz, due to limitations in antenna design and manufacturing complexity, leading to increased costs and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-band antenna assembly that includes a cover, an internal ground plane, and a multi-band antenna with radiating elements formed on flexible printed circuit board (PCB) portions. The radiating elements are configured to change configuration from a flat state to a three-dimensional shape when the cover is coupled to the internal ground plane, enabling a broader frequency range of 450 MHz to 8 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna array of various antenna configurations is used to capture a greater portion of the 3GPP spectrum, then frequency coverage is improved, but device size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna configurations into a single integrated antenna structure that supports multiple frequency bands (450 MHz to 8 GHz). The antenna integrates cellular and WiFi radiating elements in one unified design, eliminating the need for separate antenna arrays while maintaining broad spectrum coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions across different frequency bands simultaneously. It supports both cellular communications (450 MHz to 2.7 GHz) and WiFi operations (2.4 GHz to 5 GHz) using a single multi-band antenna structure, making the system universal rather than specialized for one band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna array is used to expand frequency bandwidth, then spectrum coverage is improved, but space requirements and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar configurations to a three-dimensional structure with upright and head radiating portions positioned at angles to each other. This spatial dimensionality change enables broader frequency coverage within a compact footprint by utilizing vertical and angular orientations rather than only horizontal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design nests multiple radiating elements and frequency band capabilities within a single compact structure. The cellular radiating elements and WiFi radiating elements are integrated in a nested arrangement, allowing broad bandwidth coverage without requiring proportional increases in physical area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single geometrically complex antenna is used to cover multiple frequency bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into distinct modular components including cellular radiating elements with upright and head portions, WiFi radiating elements, and a ground plane. Each segment can be manufactured separately using standard PCB fabrication techniques, then assembled into the complete multi-band antenna, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the complex final geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna achieves multi-band coverage by varying geometric parameters such as the angles between radiating portions, the dimensions of upright and head sections, and the configuration of PCB portions. These parameter adjustments allow a single antenna structure to resonate at multiple frequencies without requiring fundamentally different manufacturing processes for each band.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional antenna configurations are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but frequency coverage is limited to below 8 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates flexible PCB portions that can be bent or folded into specific three-dimensional configurations during assembly. This dynamic shaping capability allows the antenna to achieve the complex geometry needed for 8 GHz and above frequency coverage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the flexibility enables post-fabrication form adjustment without requiring complex mold designs.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective antenna system with improved frequency coverage and simplified manufacturing, making it suitable for small devices and various wireless communication applications.
Implementation Method 1
radio antennas that are used for transmitting and receiving information via electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
antennas that are configured to electromagnetically resonate at frequencies within the dedicated bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly can include a cover, an internal ground plane, and a multi-band antenna. The cover can comprise one or more walls. The internal ground plane can comprise a base of the antenna assembly and can be coupled to the cover. The multi-band antenna can comprise one or more radiating elements comprising a first radiating element formed on a first PCB portion, the first radiating element comprising a first upright radiating portion and a first head radiating portion. The first radiating element can be configured to move from a first configuration prior to engagement with the cover to a second configuration when the cover is coupled to the internal ground plane. In the first configuration, the first upright radiating portion is coplanar to the first head radiating portion. In the second configuration, the first upright radiating portion is at an angle relative to the first head radiating portion.