Folded Multiband Monopole Antenna With Coupling-Tuned Resonances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing compact antenna arrangements that can efficiently operate across multiple frequency bands, such as VHF and UHF, while being compatible with various communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS, is challenging due to size constraints and the need for simultaneous or successive communication in different frequency bands, which increases costs in terms of space, power consumption, and materials.
Innovation Solution
A monopole antenna arrangement is designed with a conductive element that can be folded to create coupling areas, allowing for resonant frequency shifts, enabling operation across multiple frequency bands, including ISM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, LTE, and 5G bands, while maintaining compactness and ease of integration into small devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional omnidirectional monopole antenna is used for VHF bands, then sufficient bandwidth and range are achieved, but the antenna length becomes too large (25 cm to 2.5 m) to be housed in compact connected objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear monopole antenna into a three-dimensional folded structure. The conductive element is arranged in multiple segments that are folded back on themselves, converting a one-dimensional length problem into a three-dimensional space-efficient configuration. This allows the antenna to maintain its electrical length for VHF operation while fitting within compact device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure employs a nested configuration where conductive segments are folded back and positioned near each other, creating a compact nested arrangement. The first conductive segment is folded back to form a second segment that is positioned adjacent to the first, effectively nesting the antenna structure within a small volume while preserving the required electrical characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple T/R modules are implemented for different frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands (VHF, UHF, and higher bands) through a single multi-segment folded configuration. The antenna's resonant frequencies are determined by the lengths and arrangements of its conductive segments, allowing it to serve multiple communication functions without requiring separate specialized antennas for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated structure. By arranging conductive segments in specific folded configurations, the antenna simultaneously supports multiple resonant modes corresponding to different frequency bands, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas and T/R modules into one unified component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple T/R modules are implemented for different frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is designed to serve multiple frequency bands with a single configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized T/R modules. This universal design reduces the total number of active components required, thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to communicate across VHF, UHF, and higher frequency bands.
4Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are wound up in 3D form factor to reduce dimensions, then compactness is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna into discrete conductive segments that can be independently formed and then assembled. Rather than requiring complex continuous 3D winding, the antenna is constructed from separate conductive elements (first segment, second segment, etc.) that are easier to manufacture individually and then join together, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the desired compact 3D configuration.
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 allows for efficient transmission and reception of radiofrequency signals across multiple frequencies, increasing bandwidth resources and reducing manufacturing costs, with the ability to be easily integrated into small packages, thus addressing the compactness and multi-frequency operation challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive element configured to resonate at and above a chosen electromagnetic radiation frequency
Implementation Method 2
given parts of the conductive element positioned facing one another to form coupling areas, said coupling areas inducing desired frequency shifts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An antenna arrangement (20) comprising a conductive element (21) configured to resonate at and above a chosen electromagnetic radiation frequency (F0) corresponding to a fundamental resonant mode. The conductive element (21) is folded to make coupling areas (22, 23) intended to shift one or more of the resonant frequencies (3F0, 5F0, 7F0...) of the higher resonant modes. Each coupling area (22, 23) is defined related to the set (F'0, F'1..., F'N) of resonant frequencies according to which the antenna is supposed to work, and is formed by positioning parts of the conductive element (21) facing each other. The location, along the conductive element (21), of the parts of that conductive element intended to form a given coupling area (22, 23) as well as the length of these parts and as the width of the gap between them when the coupling area is formed, are determined so as to provide a given increase or decrease of the resonant frequency of a given resonant mode of the conductive element (21).