MIMO Antenna Module With Nested Slot And Monopole Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle antenna systems do not support 4 × 4 MIMO capability across the required frequency ranges (698 MHz - 6 GHz) and require separate antennas for MIMO and Wi-Fi functionality, lacking a compact solution that integrates multiple frequency bands effectively.

Innovation Solution

A MIMO antenna assembly that integrates a slot antenna and a monopole antenna on a planar dielectric member, where the monopole antenna is disposed within the slot antenna, providing -15 dB isolation and supporting multiple frequency bands without additional space, with tapered designs for wide band impedance matching and a flat profile for aesthetics and low wind noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate shark fin antennas are used to achieve 4×4 MIMO capability, then MIMO functionality is supported, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO capabilityVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions (slot antenna and monopole antenna) into a single integrated antenna module. The slot antenna is formed in the housing structure while the monopole antenna is positioned within the same housing, allowing both antennas to coexist in one compact unit rather than requiring separate shark fin antennas for each MIMO element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna housing serves multiple functions: it acts as the radiating structure for the slot antenna, provides the support structure for the monopole antenna, and functions as the housing itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall antenna system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate antennas are used for MIMO and Wi-Fi functionality, then frequency range coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency range coverageVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated antenna module supports multiple frequency ranges and communication standards (MIMO and Wi-Fi) through a single unified structure. The slot and monopole antennas can operate across different frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system employs tuning mechanisms including adjustable capacitors and inductors that allow dynamic adjustment of resonant frequencies. This enables the same antenna structure to adapt and operate across multiple frequency ranges by changing its electrical characteristics rather than requiring fixed separate antennas for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If a compact antenna design is used, then space efficiency is improved, but antenna performance and isolation may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna module volumeVSAvoidantenna isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monopole antenna is positioned within the housing structure that contains the slot antenna, creating a nested configuration. This allows both antennas to be compact while maintaining spatial separation through the housing structure, achieving good isolation without requiring large overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure acts as an intermediary element between the slot antenna and monopole antenna. It provides physical separation and electromagnetic isolation while still allowing both antennas to function within a compact integrated module. The housing material and structure serve as a mediator that maintains isolation performance despite the compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables a compact 4 × 4 MIMO antenna system with simultaneous multiband operation, achieving high efficiency and wide band coverage from 698 MHz to 6 GHz, while maintaining aesthetically pleasing and low wind noise profiles.

Implementation Method 1

The slot antenna is formed as a first conductive pattern on a surface of the planar dielectric member. The monopole antenna is formed as a second conductive pattern on the surface of the planar dielectric member and is disposed in a slot portion of the slot antenna.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The MIMO antenna assembly enables a compact 4 × 4 MIMO antenna system with simultaneous multiband operation, achieving high efficiency and wide band coverage from 698 MHz to 6 GHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3586402B1MIMO antenna module
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3586402B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3586402B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3586402B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) antenna assembly for an antenna module includes a planar dielectric member and at least one MIMO antenna formed on a surface of the planar dielectric member. The at least one MIMO antenna includes a slot antenna formed as a first conductive pattern on a surface of the planar dielectric member and a monopole antenna. The monopole antenna is formed as a second conductive pattern on the surface of the planar dielectric member and is disposed in a slot portion of the slot antenna.