Integrated Antenna Display Shade for UAV Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote control units for vehicles like UAVs are not lightweight or portable due to the need for a separate and bulky antenna array, which compromises RF link quality when integrated into the handheld unit.
Innovation Solution
An integrated antenna system within a stowable display shade for a wireless portable control unit, featuring a central active antenna and parasitic antennas on foldable side panels, which provides a robust and directional RF link without increasing weight or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external RF antenna is used to maintain link quality, then RF link quality is improved, but weight and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna system with the display shade structure, integrating multiple functions (display protection and RF communication) into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate external antennas while maintaining adequate RF link quality through the use of parasitic elements integrated into the shade panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The display shade is designed to serve multiple functions: protecting the display from environmental factors and simultaneously housing the antenna elements for RF communication. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and prevents weight increase from dedicated external antennas.
2Weight of moving object
If an antenna is placed within the housing to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but link quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple parasitic elements distributed across the display shade panels. This segmentation allows the antenna structure to be integrated into the existing shade design without adding weight, while the distributed elements maintain adequate RF link quality through cooperative radiation patterns.
3Reliability
If a robust external antenna is used to ensure reliability, then link quality is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is merged with the display shade, which is already an essential component of the handheld unit. This integration ensures that the antenna travels with the device during portable operations, eliminating the need for separate setup of external antenna infrastructure while maintaining adequate RF link quality.
4Reliability
If an extended antenna structure is used to improve RF performance, then link quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system uses multiple simple parasitic elements rather than a single complex active antenna. These segmented elements are distributed across the display shade panels and work cooperatively to provide adequate RF link quality, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display shade structure serves dual purposes as both a protective element and an antenna housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna components and their associated mounting, feeding, and protection mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining RF performance.
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 enables a lightweight, portable, and robust handheld remote control with maintained RF link quality, protecting the antennas and display from environmental factors while allowing for compact storage and easy deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The front panel includes an active antenna and each of the side panels include a parasitic antenna
Implementation Method 2
deployed to shade a visual display
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an integrated antenna and display shade for a wireless portable control unit is provided which includes a stowable display shade having two side panels and a front panel between the two side panels. Each of the two side panels are foldably connected to opposing edges of the front panel so as to be capable of folding into planes generally parallel with a plane of the front panel when stowed and into planes generally orthogonal to the plane of the front panel when deployed to shade a visual display. The front panel includes an active antenna and each of the side panels include a parasitic antenna.