Internally Fed Directional Folded Yagi Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Yagi antennas are susceptible to environmental damage due to exposed transmission lines and sensitive parts, leading to downtime and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An internally fed directional folded Yagi antenna assembly with a cable system routed through the boom and folded dipole element, sealed to protect against environmental factors, and a unique dipole element configuration that allows for symmetrical antenna patterns without external grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission lines and sensitive parts are exposed in conventional Yagi antennas, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the antenna is susceptible to environmental damage from dirt, dust, water and other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is nested within the boom structure of the antenna. The boom is designed with a hollow interior that accommodates the transmission line, protecting it from environmental elements while maintaining the external simplicity of the antenna structure. This nesting approach allows the transmission line to be concealed within the existing structural components rather than adding external protective housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is routed through the interior dimension of the boom rather than being exposed on the exterior surface. By transitioning from an external two-dimensional surface mounting to an internal three-dimensional space utilization, the transmission line gains protection while the external antenna geometry remains unchanged.
2Reliability
If transmission lines are exposed in conventional Yagi antennas, then the antenna assembly is lightweight and inexpensive, but the exposed parts require maintenance and cause downtime when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: the boom structure with integrated transmission line routing, the dipole elements, and the support hardware. This segmentation allows the transmission line protection to be incorporated as part of the boom module during manufacturing, rather than requiring post-assembly protection additions. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is pre-routed and protected within the boom structure during the manufacturing process, before the antenna is deployed. The boom is manufactured with integrated cable guides and protective channels that are built in advance, eliminating the need for field installation of protective coverings and ensuring proper protection from the outset.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an internally fed cable system is used, then the transmission line is protected from environmental elements, but the cable routing becomes more complex requiring internal passage through the boom
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the dipole elements, acts as a structural framework for the antenna, and simultaneously serves as a protective conduit for the transmission line. By making the boom multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate protective tubing or channels, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while achieving environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function for the transmission line is merged with the structural function of the boom. Rather than having a separate protective element, the boom itself is designed to enclose and protect the transmission line while maintaining its primary structural role. This merging eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall design.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are provided of internally fed directional folded Yagi antenna assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly generally includes a boom, a cable assembly, and a plurality of dipole elements spaced apart along the boom. The dipole elements include a folded dipole element. The feed cable assembly is internally fed inside the boom and a first section of the folded dipole element.