Compact Marine SSB Antenna Using Nested Loop Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard marine VHF radio communication is limited by line-of-sight, making it impractical for long-distance oceanic communication, and existing SSB radio antennas for smaller vessels are impractically large due to the need for quarter-wavelength lengths at lower frequencies, such as 2 MHz, which are not feasible on space-constrained yachts.
Innovation Solution
A compact antenna system using a plurality of insulated conductors with varying lengths, forming loops within a tubing segment, connected to a SSB radio tuner, effectively acting as inductively loaded dipole elements to cover the 2 MHz to 28 MHz frequency range, utilizing the backstay as a vertical dipole antenna over a seawater reflector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quarter-wavelength antenna is used at 2 MHz, then the antenna provides good signal strength and reception quality, but the antenna becomes impractically long (approximately 37 m) for typical vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing multiple antenna conductors of different lengths inside a single tubing segment. The conductors are nested within the tubing, with each conductor forming a loop or coils inside the confined space. This allows multiple antenna elements to occupy the same physical envelope, achieving compact installation on space-constrained vessels while maintaining the required electrical lengths for different frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional linear antenna structure into a three-dimensional compact configuration by forming loops and coils within the tubing segment. Instead of extending the antenna linearly to achieve quarter-wavelength length, the conductor is folded back on itself multiple times within the tubing, converting linear length requirements into volumetric space utilization. This dimensional transformation enables the antenna to fit within a compact cylindrical volume while maintaining the necessary electrical path length
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements of different lengths are provided, then the frequency range coverage is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single multi-functional antenna system that can operate across the entire HF frequency range (2-28 MHz) using multiple conductors of different lengths within one tubing segment. The system universally covers all SSB communication frequencies without requiring separate antenna installations for different frequency bands, making it adaptable to various operating conditions while maintaining a unified compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple antenna elements into a single integrated unit by combining several insulated conductors of different lengths within one tubing segment. The conductors are connected to a common connection point and sealed together with a single plug, creating a unified antenna system that functions as a complete HF coverage solution rather than requiring separate antenna installations for different frequency ranges
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 antenna system provides improved signal strength and reception quality with a standing-wave ratio of 1.2:1 or better, suitable for SSB radio installations on smaller vessels, maintaining omnidirectional radiation patterns and accommodating the frequency range of SSB radio communications.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna system includes a tubing segment within which the insulated conductors are disposed... Each of the plurality of conductors advantageously has a different length, with the lengths of the conductors corresponding to quarter-wavelength antenna elements covering a frequency range of about 2 MHz to about 28 MHz
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the conductors has a length greater than that of the tubing segment, and accordingly has a loop within the tubing segment... providing improved signal strength and reception quality with a standing-wave ratio of 1.2:1 or better
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system suitable for marine SSB radio. The system includes a plurality of insulated conductors each having a first end and a second end; the first ends of the conductors are connected at a connection point. The insulated conductors are disposed within a tubing segment, which is sealed with a plug proximate to the connection point. A conductor connected to the connection point extends through the plug is configured for connection to a SSB radio tuner. In an embodiment, each of the conductors has a length greater than that of the tubing segment, and thus has a loop within the tubing segment. Each of the conductors advantageously has a different length, with the lengths of the conductors corresponding to quarter-wavelength antenna elements covering a frequency range of about 2 MHz to about 28 MHz.