Asymmetric Hexagonal Parasitic Element for Patch Antenna Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antenna designs face limitations in size reduction and design freedom due to the shape of parasitic elements, which restricts the integration of wave directors in low-profile antenna devices, especially in vehicles where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna device incorporating a parasitic element with a hexagonal shape, where the length of the upper side is shorter than the width and the length between the upper and lower sides is longer than the radiation element, functioning as a wave director to enhance antenna gain characteristics, and an integrated resin holder with locking pawls to secure the parasitic element, maintaining constant distance from the patch antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parasitic element with conventional shape (quadrangular or similar to radiation element) is used, then the antenna gain characteristics are improved, but the design freedom and size reduction are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic element is designed with an asymmetric hexagonal shape where the length between upper and lower sides differs from the length between left and right sides. This asymmetric configuration allows the parasitic element to function as a wave director while reducing the overall antenna device size and increasing design freedom, resolving the contradiction between maintaining antenna gain characteristics and achieving size reduction.
2Reliability
If the parasitic element is fixed to the inner case side, then the antenna gain is improved, but the size of the inner case must match the parasitic element size, reducing design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic element is configured with different dimensional proportions (length between upper and lower sides is longer than length between left and right sides), allowing it to be efficiently disposed above the patch antenna in a low-profile configuration. This dimensional optimization enables the inner case to have a smaller footprint while maintaining the wave director function, thus improving antenna gain without proportionally increasing case size.
3Reliability
If a three-dimensional convex parasitic element is used, then the antenna gain characteristics are improved, but the thickness in height direction is increased, inhibiting size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential wave director function from the three-dimensional convex shape and implements it through a flat plate hexagonal parasitic element with optimized two-dimensional proportions. By removing the unnecessary three-dimensional convexity while retaining the functional asymmetry, the design achieves improved antenna gain characteristics without increasing the thickness in the height direction, thus enabling size reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A patch antenna device configured to receive a radio communication signal includes a circuit board, a patch antenna, and a parasitic element. The circuit board has a signal processing circuit placed thereon. The patch antenna is stacked on the circuit board and has a quadrangular radiation element. The parasitic element is disposed above the patch antenna so as to improve antenna gain characteristics of the patch antenna and configured such that the length of the upper side of the parasitic element is shorter than the width in a plan view of the radiation element of the patch antenna and that the length between the upper and lower sides of the parasitic element is longer than the length between the upper and lower sides of the radiation element of the patch antenna.