Internal Antenna Array for Portable Data Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data communication units are bulky, difficult to transport, and have exposed antennas that are prone to damage, making them unsuitable for reliable and aesthetically pleasing wireless and cellular communications, especially in areas with weak or non-existent signal coverage.
Innovation Solution
A portable data communications apparatus with a case that houses a router device, power supply, and an internal antenna array, including cellular, wireless networking, and GPS antennas, providing a sealed and durable solution for reliable communications and increased mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data communication units use external antennas, then antenna performance is maintained, but the device becomes cumbersome and aesthetically displeasing with exposed antennas prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates antennas inside the housing of the data communication unit, nesting the antenna elements within the case structure. This internal arrangement protects antennas from external damage while maintaining compact device dimensions, resolving the contradiction between durability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna types (cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS) into a single integrated housing structure, merging what would traditionally be separate external components into one protected unit. This consolidation improves reliability by protecting all antennas simultaneously while managing structural complexity through unified design.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional data communication units are designed for portability, then mobility is improved, but signal reception becomes weak or non-existent in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple antenna types (cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS) into a single portable unit, providing multi-functional communication capabilities. This allows the device to maintain signal reception across different networks and functions while remaining portable, resolving the contradiction between mobility and reception reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology with multiple antenna elements that can dynamically adjust signal processing. This dynamic capability enhances signal reception in varying environmental conditions while maintaining the portable form factor, addressing the contradiction between size and reception quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data communication units use multiple antenna types, then communication versatility is improved, but device size becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple antenna types within the internal volume of a single housing, arranging cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS antennas in a compact configuration. This nesting approach maintains communication versatility while preventing the device from becoming bulky, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple antenna elements in three-dimensional space within the housing, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to accommodate diverse antenna types without increasing the device's footprint. This spatial optimization maintains versatility while controlling device size.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communications apparatus including a case. A power supply is secured inside the case. A router device is secured inside the case, the router device selectively receiving power from the power supply. The router device includes at least one cellular gateway for wide area network communication as well as being configured to enable at least one wireless network for local area network communication. An antenna array is in electrical communication with the router device, the antenna array including at least two cellular antennas and at least one wireless networking antenna. The first pair of cellular antennas are configured to support multiple input multiple output applications for the at least one cellular gateway.