MIMO Antenna Isolation Element Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MIMO array antennas face interference issues between antenna elements, leading to distorted radiation patterns and reduced output gain, particularly in subminiature electronic devices, due to the need for three-dimensional structures that increase the antenna's volume and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A plate board type MIMO array antenna design featuring a board with antenna elements and an isolation unit that offsets electromagnetic wave effects between elements, using symmetrically positioned isolation elements to prevent interference, allowing for a compact and efficient two-dimensional structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If three-dimensional walls are piled up between antenna elements to prevent electromagnetic wave propagation, then interference between antennas is prevented, but the volume of the antenna chip increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between antenna elementsVSAvoidvolume of antenna chip
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an isolation element as an intermediary component positioned between antenna elements. This isolation element acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic wave propagation from one antenna element to another, preventing interference while maintaining a compact structure. The isolation element is a separate component that specifically addresses the harmful electromagnetic coupling without requiring bulky three-dimensional walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional wall structures to a two-dimensional planar isolation element layout on the substrate. By arranging isolation elements in a planar configuration between antenna elements, the design achieves effective electromagnetic isolation while maintaining a flat, compact profile suitable for subminiature electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If three-dimensional walls are used to isolate antenna elements, then radiation patterns are preserved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation pattern integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation element serves as a manufactured intermediary component that can be easily integrated into the antenna assembly. Rather than requiring complex three-dimensional wall structures, the isolation element provides a simple, manufacturable solution that effectively preserves radiation patterns by preventing electromagnetic interference between antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If antenna elements are placed close together for compact design, then device size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference between elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna chip sizeVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation element is strategically positioned as an intermediary between closely spaced antenna elements. This mediator component enables compact antenna element placement while simultaneously blocking electromagnetic interference, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and interference prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the space between antenna elements by introducing discrete isolation elements. This segmentation approach divides the electromagnetic field regions, preventing direct coupling between antenna elements while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The isolation elements create effective separation without requiring increased spacing between antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively minimizes interference between antenna elements, enhancing output gain and maintaining radiation pattern integrity, while simplifying manufacturing and enabling use in subminiature electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

an isolation unit offsetting effects of electromagnetic waves radiated from the plurality of antenna elements on the other antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave offsetting: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7498997B2Plate board type MIMO array antenna including isolation element
Publication Date: 2009.03.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US7498997B2 patent drawing
  • US7498997B2 patent drawing
  • US7498997B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A plate board type MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) array antenna including a board, a plurality of antenna elements manufactured on the board, and an isolation unit offsetting effects of electromagnetic waves radiated from the plurality of antenna elements on the other antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. In a case where two antenna elements are used, the isolation unit may include at least one isolation element positioned within a space between the two antenna elements on the board and symmetric with respect to a center of a distance between the two antenna elements.