Glass-Embedded 5G Patch Antenna Structure Without Bonded Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G networks requires numerous new antennas for signal relay and transmission, but existing technologies face challenges in integrating antennas within glass sheets without compromising robustness and requiring multiple separate components and connections.
Innovation Solution
The integration of patch antennas and a ground plane within a glass sheet using an ion exchange reaction to diffuse metal ions, followed by heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere to precipitate metal layers, which act as antennas, eliminating the need for separate components and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patch antennas and ground plane are integrated within a glass sheet using ion exchange reaction, then manufacturing robustness and durability are improved, but fabrication process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna elements (patch antennas and ground plane) directly into the glass sheet structure through ion exchange reaction. The metal ions are diffused into the glass matrix and precipitated to form integrated conductive patterns, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated bonding processes. This integration approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability through monolithic construction while the automated ion exchange process manages fabrication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical assembly processes (bonding, welding, connecting separate antenna components) with a chemical process (ion exchange reaction). The metal ions diffuse through the glass sheet and precipitate in controlled patterns to form the antenna structure, substituting complex mechanical assembly with a more reliable chemical formation process that enhances manufacturing robustness.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components and connections are used for antenna assembly, then fabrication flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna components (patch elements, ground plane, connecting structures) into a single integrated structure formed within the glass sheet. The ion exchange process creates all conductive elements in one fabrication sequence, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps and significantly reducing manufacturing time while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary patterning of the metal ion distribution within the glass sheet before final precipitation. The pattern is created on the glass surface first, then metal ions are diffused and precipitated to form the complete antenna structure in advance, allowing the entire antenna assembly to be pre-fabricated as a single unit ready for deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If patch antennas are positioned at or below the glass sheet surface, then directional control for phased arrays is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific regions within the glass sheet with different metal ion concentrations and precipitation characteristics. The ion exchange process is controlled to deposit metal ions at precise depths and locations, forming patch antennas at specific positions (at or below the surface) while maintaining different properties in different regions to enable directional control for phased array applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning and alignment processes with a chemically controlled ion diffusion and precipitation system. The metal ions are transported and deposited at precise locations through controlled ion exchange reactions, achieving high positioning precision through chemical gradients and reaction kinetics rather than mechanical placement, thereby enabling accurate antenna positioning for directional control.
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 method allows for the robust and efficient manufacturing of antennas within a glass sheet, avoiding bonding issues and enabling directional control through phased arrays, suitable for frequencies up to 100 GHz, with reduced fabrication steps and enhanced durability.
Implementation Method 1
An ion exchange reaction is performed so that metal ions diffuse into the first major surface of the glass sheet in the first regions
Implementation Method 2
metal ions diffuse into the first major surface of the glass sheet
Implementation Method 3
the glass sheet is exposed to a reducing atmosphere and a temperature of 250° C. to 600° C. to cause the metal ions to precipitate into layers in the first regions
Implementation Method 4
the glass sheet is exposed to a reducing atmosphere and a temperature of 250° C. to 600° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an antenna device. The antenna device includes a glass sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface. The first major surface and the second major surface define a thickness of the glass sheet. The antenna device also includes at least one patch antenna. Each of the at least one patch antenna includes a first metallic layer that is located within the thickness of the glass sheet at or below the first major surface. Additionally, the antenna device includes a ground plane comprising a second metallic layer that is located within the thickness of the glass sheet at or below the second major surface.