Helical Antenna Using Segmented PCB Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helical antennas face challenges in achieving accurate dimensions due to material contraction during hardening, leading to poor shape retention and subsequent changes in input impedance, which affect antenna performance and result in power loss.
Innovation Solution
The use of printed wiring boards with rectilinear patterns and through-hole conductors to form a helical antenna, allowing for precise connection and maintaining dimensional accuracy, thereby reducing manufacturing errors and improving antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional spring hardening method is used to form helical antenna, then shape retention is poor, but manufacturing process is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The helical antenna is divided into multiple straight wire segments that are sequentially connected through hardening zones. Each segment can be independently formed and positioned, then connected to form the complete helical structure. This segmentation allows precise dimensional control of each segment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna wire is pre-formed into straight segments with precise dimensions before assembly. The hardening zones are pre-positioned at specific locations where segments will be connected. This preliminary preparation of segments and hardening zones ensures that the final helical structure achieves the required dimensional accuracy without complex real-time shaping during manufacturing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conductor is hardened to improve shape retention, then dimensional accuracy deteriorates due to contraction, but shape stability improves
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple straight sections separated by hardening zones. Each straight section maintains its dimensional accuracy independently, and the hardening zones prevent contraction from affecting adjacent segments. This segmentation isolates the dimensional precision requirements to manageable sections rather than the entire continuous helix.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire structure transitions between flexible and rigid states through controlled hardening at specific zones. The hardening zones are positioned to maintain dimensional stability of critical antenna dimensions while allowing controlled flexibility during assembly. This parameter change from flexible to rigid state at specific locations resolves the contradiction between shape stability and dimensional precision.
3Reliability
If coil dimensions change after hardening, then input impedance changes greatly, but manufacturing process remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna wire is divided into multiple straight segments with precise lengths, connected by hardening zones. Each segment's length is precisely controlled during manufacturing, and the hardening zones prevent dimensional changes that would affect input impedance. This segmentation ensures stable electrical characteristics while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The straight wire segments are pre-formed with exact dimensions required for the target input impedance before assembly. The hardening zones are pre-positioned to lock these dimensions in place. This preliminary precision formation of segments ensures that the final assembled antenna achieves the desired 50Ω input impedance without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a coil shaped antenna wherein errors at the time of production can be reduced. An antenna (10) is constituted by providing connection conductors wherein the opposite ends of the connection conductors are connected to through holes formed on first and second printed wiring boards (100, 200) so that the first printed wiring board (100) is opposed to the second printed wiring board (200), and the connection conductors helically and conductively connect a plurality of linear printed wiring patterns (111 to 118) formed on the first printed wiring board (100) and a plurality of linear printed wiring patterns (211 to 218) formed on the second printed wiring board (200).