Modular Antenna Band Extension via Adjustable Metal Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current omnidirectional antennas face challenges in covering a wide frequency band (30MHz-3GHz) due to limitations in bandwidth, impedance matching, power handling, compactness, and radiation efficiency, especially when integrated on carrier vehicles, where they often suffer from coupling and masking issues and require multiple antennas to achieve desired performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular omnidirectional antenna system with adjustable metal links and power resistors, allowing for customizable positioning and impedance matching, comprising a broadband exciter with a pseudo-conical shape and conductive facets, which extends the frequency band and enhances radiation efficiency by absorbing undesirable currents and exciting the carrier vehicle for improved radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to cover the frequency band, then the frequency bandwidth is improved, but the device complexity and coupling between antennas worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single omnidirectional antenna structure that can operate across a universal frequency band from 30 MHz to 3 GHz, eliminating the need for multiple specialized antennas. The antenna achieves this through its unique geometry and loading elements that enable broadband operation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining frequency bandwidth coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable loading elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors) that can be tuned to optimize the antenna's performance across different frequency ranges within the 30 MHz to 3 GHz band. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single antenna structure to adapt to varying frequency requirements, replacing multiple fixed-frequency antennas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed close to each other, then the frequency bandwidth is improved, but coupling and masking phenomena worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful coupling effect into a beneficial impedance matching mechanism. By strategically placing loading elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors) at specific locations on the antenna structure, the coupling between different parts of the antenna is transformed into a means of achieving optimal impedance matching across the broadband range, thereby eliminating masking phenomena while maintaining frequency bandwidth.
3Reliability
If impedance matching cell is used, then the impedance matching is improved, but the radiation efficiency and power handling worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing specific loading elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors) at strategically determined locations on the antenna structure. Each loading element is positioned to address local impedance variations at specific points on the antenna, achieving overall broadband impedance matching without the need for a separate impedance matching cell that would reduce radiation efficiency and power handling.
4Volume of moving object
If compact antenna structure is used, then the compactness is improved, but the radiation efficiency and power handling worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where loading elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors) are integrated within or on the antenna structure itself, rather than being separate external components. This nesting approach maintains compactness while the strategically positioned loading elements ensure optimal radiation efficiency and power handling by locally adjusting the electromagnetic field distribution.
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 system effectively extends the frequency band from 30MHz to 3GHz, improves radiation efficiency, and maintains compactness, while ensuring impedance matching and power handling, reducing coupling and masking phenomena, and adapting to different carrier vehicles for optimized performance.
Implementation Method 1
broadband exciter (7) having an external surface and a surface profile suitable for generating or capturing an electric field with linear vertical polarization created between the two plates (5, 6)
Implementation Method 2
said electric field propagating within a guide structure formed by the first plate (5), the second plate (6) and the means of broadband exciter (7)
Implementation Method 3
at least one first upper conductive plate (5) provided with one or more slots for maintaining metal links (2), said metal links being loaded with an adaptation circuit, consisting of power resistors (3)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular device that can be used to widen the usage band of a very-wide-band omnidirectional antenna, said antenna (1) being disposed on a carrier vehicle V. The invention is characterised in that it comprises at least the following elements: a first upper conductive plate (5) provided with one or more slots (8) that can be used to support metal links (2), said metal links (2) being equipped with a matching circuit (3); and a second lower conductive plate (6) also provided with one or more slots (8) that can be used to form electrical contacts between the power resistors (3) and the plate by means of wire ties (4). The antenna (1) includes a wide-band exciter (7) disposed between the first conductive plate (5) and the second conductive plate (6). The invention is suitable for switching from the 100 MHz-3 GHz band to the 30 MHz-3GHz band.