Compact Multi-band Antenna with Helical Radiating Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-band antennas for communication devices are bulky, inflexible, and costly, with complex switching systems that consume power and introduce distortion, making them unsuitable for public safety applications that require compact, efficient, and reliable communication across multiple frequency bands like UHF and GPS.
Innovation Solution
A compact, passive multi-band antenna structure featuring a monopole and parasitic radiating elements with distributed impedance matching, allowing for simultaneous operation across UHF, GPS, and other bands, with a design that minimizes physical dimensions while maintaining signal response and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used for different frequency bands, then communication capability across multiple bands is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band antennas into a single integrated antenna structure that can operate across UHF, GPS, and other bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate antennas and switching mechanisms while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting operation across multiple frequency bands (UHF, GPS, and others) through a single structure, making the antenna system universal rather than band-specific
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas with switching are used, then multiband communication is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple band antennas into one passive integrated structure, the patent eliminates the need for active switching mechanisms that consume power, allowing the antenna to handle multiple bands passively without additional energy requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used, then frequency band coverage is improved, but signal distortion and spurious frequency spreading increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple band antennas into a single integrated passive structure that maintains signal integrity across UHF, GPS, and other bands without the distortion and spurious frequency spreading caused by switching between separate antennas
4Length of moving object
If antenna length is reduced, then portability is improved, but signal response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a helical configuration that transforms the antenna structure into three-dimensional space, allowing the antenna to achieve resonant lengths appropriate for multiple frequency bands while maintaining a compact overall form factor that does not compromise signal response
5Length of stationary object
If antenna diameter is reduced, then flexibility and portability are improved, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a helical (curved) configuration that provides mechanical strength through its three-dimensional coiled structure, maintaining flexibility and portability while the curved geometry inherently resists bending and mechanical stress better than straight configurations
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 provides efficient, flexible, and cost-effective multiband communication capabilities, reducing antenna length by up to 30% and diameter by 40% compared to existing dual-band antennas, with improved signal delivery and reduced complexity, suitable for public safety devices.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna structure provides a first radiating element galvanically connected with a feed point and a second radiating element capacitively or galvanically connected to the first radiating element. The second radiating element has a resonance that varies from above the resonance of the first radiating element to GPS or 2.5 GHz or even higher if desired.
Implementation Method 2
The first radiating element is also galvanically connected to an impedance matching element. In one embodiment, the impedance matching element comprises a base coil and a sheath capacitively coupled with the base coil and the raised coaxial feed.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device is presented that has an antenna structure with a relatively short length and covers multiple resonances including the UHF and the GPS bands. The antenna structure has a conductive base to which a whip antenna is connected through a helical radiating element. A cylindrical sheath capacitively connected to the helical element provides distributed impedance matching for the antenna structure. A monopole or another helical element provides higher resonance than that of the whip antenna or connected helical element. If the higher resonance is provided by a monopole, the monopole is disposed radially adjacent to the helical element and is capacitively connected with the helical element through an opening in the sheath. If the higher resonance is provided by a helical element, the helical element is capacitively or galvanically connected to the end of the whip antenna.