Hidden Surface Antenna Inserts for Aircraft Frequency Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft inserts with antennas are either obstructed by EMF shielding, reducing signal reception, or visibly exposed, affecting aesthetics, especially when multiple frequencies are involved.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a non-conductive body with a surface antenna assembly on the inner surface, allowing the antenna to be hidden while receiving predetermined frequencies, and a conductive trace filter to block specific frequencies, ensuring compliance with aircraft emissions limits without compromising aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the antenna is placed inside the equipment, then the aesthetics are maintained, but the signal reception is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidsignal reception

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the antenna from a traditional internal placement to the outer surface of the equipment housing, utilizing the external dimension. The antenna is integrated into the housing structure itself, allowing it to extend outward for better signal reception while remaining visually concealed within the housing contours, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and signal reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are installed for multiple frequencies, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple frequency supportVSAvoidnumber of antennas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single antenna structure capable of operating across multiple frequency bands by optimizing its geometric parameters and electrical characteristics. The antenna is engineered with specific length, width, and positioning parameters that enable it to resonate at multiple frequencies simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate antennas for different frequency bands and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-frequency functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables hidden antenna placement within aircraft inserts that maintain signal reception and adhere to aircraft standards, improving both functionality and aesthetics by allowing multiple frequency support without visible exposure.

Implementation Method 1

The non-conductive body can be configured to pass at least the one or more predetermined frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission and filtering: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The conductive trace filter can define a cage or grid shape, for example

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11975838B2Aircraft inserts having surface integrated antennas and/or filters

Publication Date: 2024.05.07 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

A filter component for an aircraft insert can include a non-conductive body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface can be configured to be hidden from view when installed on the insert. The filter component can include a surface filter disposed on the inner surface such that when the non-conductive body is installed on the insert the surface filter is not visible. The surface filter can be configured to filter out one or more predetermined filter frequencies.