Lightbulb Antenna Layout Using EEVA Voids for Spatial Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating multiple antennas into compact wireless devices without increasing their footprint, particularly in lightbulbs, is exacerbated by the presence of metal structures that can interfere with radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating edge-enabled void antennas (EEVAs) and edge-enabled void isolators (EEVIs) within the cooling cone of a lightbulb, allowing for a small antenna footprint and enabling diversity reception and transmission through spatial diversity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional antennas are used in compact wireless devices, then antenna radiation effectiveness is maintained, but device footprint increases and spatial separation from other components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna designs to three-dimensional conformal antennas that wrap around cylindrical structures (such as battery cans or housing elements). This dimensional change allows the antenna to utilize the vertical and radial dimensions of the device, achieving effective radiation patterns while maintaining a compact footprint. The conformal geometry enables the antenna to radiate effectively in multiple directions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between small area and radiation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is nested around existing cylindrical components within the device (such as battery cans or structural elements), utilizing the available three-dimensional space efficiently. By conforming to the outer surface of these nested structures, the antenna achieves effective radiation without requiring additional dedicated space, thereby maintaining both compact footprint and radiation performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are added for MIMO and beamforming, then communication capabilities improve, but spatial separation and interference management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device surface into multiple independent conformal antenna segments, each capable of independent radiation. These segmented antennas can be positioned at different locations on the device's cylindrical surfaces, enabling MIMO and beamforming capabilities. The segmentation allows each antenna element to maintain its own radiation pattern while collectively providing enhanced communication functionality, managing spatial complexity through modular positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing three-dimensional conformal geometries on cylindrical surfaces, the patent creates natural spatial separation between multiple antennas in the radial and vertical dimensions. This dimensional approach allows multiple antennas to be packed closely while maintaining adequate isolation through their different spatial orientations and positions, reducing interference and simplifying the spatial arrangement compared to traditional planar layouts.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna size is reduced to fit compact devices, then device form factor is maintained, but radiation effectiveness and directionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the antenna from traditional planar configurations to three-dimensional conformal geometries. This parameter change includes transitioning from two-dimensional surface layouts to three-dimensional wrapped structures, which increases the effective electrical length and radiation aperture without increasing the device's external footprint. The conformal geometry parameters enable maintained signal transmission speed and directionality within compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition to three-dimensional conformal antennas adds vertical and radial dimensions to the radiation structure, effectively increasing the antenna's electrical size and radiation capability without increasing the device's planar footprint. This dimensional enhancement maintains signal transmission speed and directionality by providing adequate electrical length and aperture in three dimensions, resolving the contradiction between compact size and radiation performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna in a lightbulb may include a conductive plane (e.g., a ground plane) that includes an edge-enabled void antenna (EEVA) with the EEVA including a corresponding edge-enabled void isolator (EEVI). Use of both the EEVA and the EEVI allows for a small antenna footprint for incorporation into a lightbulb. Optionally, two EEVAs, each with a corresponding EEVI may be used. Various arrangements are provided to illustrate possible compromises between structural integrity and cooling. Further, by using two EEVAs, diversity reception and transmission is possible, increasing the utility of the lightbulb by expanding directionality of the transmission/reception and/or improving communication through spatial diversity.