Hybrid Patch Monopole Antenna Balloon Ground Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
In areas where traditional data connectivity via Internet and cellular networks is unreliable or unavailable, there is a need for supplementary network infrastructure that can maintain communication links between ground-based and balloon-based systems over a wide range of angles, especially when the balloon is not directly overhead.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid patch and monopole antenna system is used, where the patch antenna radiates electromagnetic energy and the monopole antennas support and re-radiate this energy, creating a combined radiation pattern that allows for reliable communication over a broader angle range, compensating for weaker signals when the balloon is not directly above the ground-based receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional single antenna is used for balloon-to-ground communication, then the device complexity is low, but the communication reliability deteriorates when the balloon is not directly overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a patch antenna and a monopole antenna into a hybrid antenna system. The patch antenna provides broadside radiation for direct overhead communication, while the monopole antenna provides omnidirectional radiation for non-overhead communication. This merging of two different antenna types resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication reliability across different balloon positions without requiring multiple separate antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid antenna system performs multiple functions: it provides both broadside radiation patterns for direct overhead communication and omnidirectional radiation patterns for non-overhead communication. This multi-functionality allows a single antenna system to maintain reliable communication regardless of the balloon's position relative to the ground receiver, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is designed for direct overhead communication only, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates when the balloon moves to different positions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging a patch antenna (optimized for broadside/direct overhead radiation) with a monopole antenna (optimized for omnidirectional radiation), the system achieves adaptability across different angular ranges. The patch antenna handles direct overhead communication while the monopole antenna handles non-overhead positions, providing versatile adaptability without requiring complex reconfigurable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-radiation-pattern antenna to a dual-radiation-pattern hybrid antenna system. This dimensional change in radiation pattern space (from one pattern to two complementary patterns) enables the system to adapt to different spatial configurations of the balloon relative to the ground receiver, significantly improving angular range adaptability.
3Reliability
If a hybrid patch and monopole antenna system is used to extend communication angle range, then the communication reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a patch antenna and a monopole antenna into an integrated hybrid structure. This combination allows the system to maintain reliable communication across a wide angular range by utilizing the complementary radiation patterns of the two antenna types, achieving improved reliability while keeping the structural complexity manageable through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid antenna system provides multiple radiation patterns (broadside and omnidirectional) from a single integrated structure, enabling it to maintain reliable communication regardless of the balloon's position. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the antenna system adaptable to various communication scenarios without requiring multiple separate systems.
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 hybrid antenna system enhances the reliability of balloon-to-ground communication by maintaining consistent signal strength across a wider range of angles, ensuring stable connectivity even when the balloon is not directly overhead, thus addressing the limitations of traditional antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiating element configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a first input signal
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting element configured to reflect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiating element
Implementation Method 3
receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiating element based on at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiating element coupling to the at least one metallic support structure
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an antenna system. The antenna system includes a first radiating element configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a first input signal. The antenna system also includes a reflecting element configured to reflect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiating element. The antenna system further includes a ground plane located between the first radiating element and the reflecting elements. Additionally, the antenna system has a feed configured to provide the input signal to the first radiating element. Furthermore, the antenna system includes at least one metallic support structure. The metallic support structure is configured to both (i) provide a separation between the first radiating element and the reflecting element and (ii) radiate electromagnetic energy based on a coupling of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first radiating element.