Folded Patch Antenna EMI Shielding via Waveguide Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch antennas face challenges in miniaturization and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, particularly in compact wireless systems where size reduction and EMI protection are crucial for applications like GPS and biomedical devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of quasi-omnidirectionally radiating, compact folded patch antennas with a rectangular or cylindrical waveguide shape, utilizing a flexible substrate and features like electric shorting vias and inductive slots, along with complimentary split ring resonators (CSRRs), to achieve size reduction and EMI shielding without additional impedance matching circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional patch antenna design is used, then fabrication simplicity is maintained, but antenna size cannot be reduced below quarter-wavelength constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar patch antenna to a three-dimensional folded waveguide structure. The waveguide is folded back on itself multiple times within a compact volume, transforming the antenna from a two-dimensional surface structure to a three-dimensional volumetric structure. This dimensional transformation enables the antenna to achieve resonant dimensions much smaller than the quarter-wavelength constraint of conventional planar designs while maintaining the necessary electrical length for resonance.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is folded back on itself in a nested configuration, with each fold containing subsequent folds within its volume. This nesting approach allows the antenna to pack an extended electrical length into a compact physical footprint, achieving miniaturization while preserving the resonant properties required for antenna operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional patch antenna design is used, then structure simplicity is maintained, but EMI shielding capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna radiating structure with an EMI shielding enclosure by integrating the folded waveguide walls to form a closed or partially closed cavity. The same metallic walls that guide and contain the electromagnetic waves for radiation also serve as Faraday cage barriers against external EMI. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate shielding structures while providing both antenna operation and EMI protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the resonant antenna element, provides EMI shielding through its enclosed geometry, and offers mechanical support for mounting. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the complex structure serve several purposes, thereby justifying its complexity through the value it provides in multiple aspects.
3Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced, then compactness is improved, but radiation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the antenna structure by folding the waveguide to create a compact three-dimensional configuration. This parameter change maintains the electrical length required for resonance while reducing the physical footprint. The folded structure preserves the current distribution patterns necessary for efficient radiation despite the reduced overall dimensions, thereby maintaining radiation efficiency in a compact form factor.
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 results in a compact, self-packaged antenna design with improved radiation efficiency and EMI protection, enabling applications in wireless endoscopes and other compact systems with minimal size and interference issues.
Implementation Method 1
quasi-omnidirectionally radiating, compact folded patch antennas with a rectangular or cylindrical waveguide shape
Implementation Method 2
features like electric shorting vias and inductive slots
Implementation Method 3
features like electric shorting vias and inductive slots
Implementation Method 4
complimentary split ring resonators (CSRRs), to achieve size reduction and EMI shielding
Implementation Method 5
The solution results in a compact, self-packaged antenna design with improved radiation efficiency and EMI protection
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods are provided for folded patch antennas. In one embodiment, among others, a folded patch antenna includes a patch disposed on an outer side of a flexible substrate and a ground plane disposed on an inner side of the flexible substrate opposite the patch. The flexible substrate is folded to form an enclosed cavity defined by the inner side of the flexible substrate. The ground plane may provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of the cavity. In another embodiment, among others, a folded patch antenna platform includes a flexible substrate, a folded patch antenna, and a transceiver mounted on the flexible substrate. The folded patch antenna includes a patch communicatively coupled to the transceiver and a ground plane, which are disposed on opposite sides of the flexible substrate.