Integral Notch Antenna Assembly With Simplified Feed Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing notch antenna structures face challenges in cost-efficiency, assembly complexity, and manufacturing difficulties, particularly for planar notch antenna elements, due to costly and complicated feed arrangements and separate mounting of elements to the antenna ground plane.
Innovation Solution
A notch antenna structure with an integral antenna element design featuring a flexible feeding arrangement, where each element is part of a common base portion, allowing for easy assembly and manufacturing as a single component, with a feed point located at the leg portion for simplified connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional antenna design is used, then the antenna can be manufactured with standard processes, but the antenna fails to meet 5G frequency requirements and cannot be integrated into small form factor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple distinct segments including a U-shaped ground plane with first and second arms, a feed line with specific impedance, and a radiating element with controlled dimensions. Each segment is designed to fulfill specific electromagnetic functions, enabling 5G frequency operation while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the antenna structure are assigned different geometric properties and electrical characteristics. The ground plane has specific width and length ratios, the feed line has controlled impedance (50 ohms), and the radiating element has optimized dimensions. This local optimization enables the antenna to meet 5G performance requirements without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced for small form factor devices, then the device can be made more compact, but the antenna performance and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design transitions from traditional planar configurations to a three-dimensional structure with the U-shaped ground plane and vertically oriented radiating element. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve resonant frequencies suitable for 5G operation within a reduced volume, maintaining performance while enabling compact device integration
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs specific dimensional parameters optimized for 5G frequencies, including the ground plane width-to-length ratio, feed line impedance (50 ohms), and radiating element dimensions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the antenna achieves reliable performance at reduced sizes, overcoming the traditional trade-off between compactness and performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna designs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the antenna cannot support multiple frequency bands required for 5G networks
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is designed to operate across multiple 5G frequency bands through its geometric configuration and dimensional relationships. The U-shaped ground plane combined with the specific feed line and radiating element creates a resonant structure that supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies, enabling a single antenna design to fulfill multiple communication functions without requiring separate antennas for each band
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is constructed from discrete, manufacturable segments including the ground plane, feed line, and radiating element. Each segment can be fabricated using standard PCB and antenna manufacturing techniques, then assembled into the complete multi-band structure. This segmented approach enables complex multi-frequency functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes
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 integral structure facilitates faster, more efficient manufacturing and assembly, reduces material waste, and provides a flexible feeding interface, enhancing cost-effectiveness and reducing the risk of overheating through all-metal design with heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
Notch antennas are widely used in fifth generation (5G) communication systems due to their small form factor, low profile, and ease of integration into mobile devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a notch antenna structure (1) comprising a plurality of notch antenna elements (2) arranged in at least a first row (R). Each notch antenna element (2) comprises a base portion (3) having first and second opposing surfaces (4, 5), a first electrically conductive body (6) and an adjacent second electrically conductive body (7), the electrically conductive bodies (6, 7) extending vertically from the first surface (4), forming an integral structure, a tapering gap (8) between the two electrically conductive bodies (6, 7). The notch antenna structure comprises a bottom plane (9) for receiving the second surface (5) of the plurality of notch antenna elements (2) and the first electrically conductive body (6) comprises a leg portion (10) having a feed arrangement proximate to the tapering gap (8), the feed arrangement comprising a feed point (11).