Modular Antenna Architecture for Multi-Band Upgrades Without Size Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems are limited in their ability to efficiently operate across multiple frequency bands without increasing size, as they are typically designed for specific frequency ranges and lack modular reconfigurability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable modular antenna system comprising interchangeable modules, where the first module operates in a specific frequency band and the second module operates in a different frequency band, with radiator elements interleaved in a specific pattern within conductive separation walls, allowing for easy upgrades and frequency band additions without size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna systems are designed for specific frequency ranges, then they achieve optimal performance in those bands, but they cannot efficiently operate across multiple frequency bands without increasing size
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into separate functional modules - a fixed unit containing the radome and common reflection board, and replaceable units containing frequency-specific radiator elements. This segmentation allows different frequency bands to be handled by different modules that can be independently selected or replaced, enabling multi-band operation without increasing the overall antenna volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed unit with the common reflection board serves multiple frequency bands simultaneously, while the replaceable units provide frequency-specific functionality. By making the radiator elements replaceable rather than fixed, the same physical structure can be configured for different frequency bands, achieving multi-functionality without size increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna systems are designed with fixed radiator elements for specific bands, then they achieve optimized performance for those bands, but they lack reconfigurability for future upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where radiator elements can be replaced to adapt to different frequency bands. The replaceable units allow the system to be reconfigured as needed, providing future-proofing and upgrade capability without redesigning the entire antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that facilitate easy replacement of radiator elements. The fixed unit and replaceable units are designed with compatible connection points and alignment features, allowing for straightforward installation and replacement without complex tools or procedures, thus reducing the perceived complexity despite the reconfigurable nature.
3Reliability
If multiple antenna systems for different frequency bands are installed separately, then each system operates independently with optimized performance, but the overall system size and installation footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frequency band capabilities are merged into a single integrated antenna structure. The common reflection board and radome serve all frequency bands, while the replaceable radiator elements provide frequency-specific optimization. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna installations for different bands, reducing the overall installation footprint while maintaining optimized performance for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable radiator elements are designed to fit within the standardized interface of the fixed unit, creating a nested configuration where frequency-specific components are housed within a common structural framework. This nesting approach allows multiple frequency band capabilities to coexist in a compact arrangement, minimizing the installation footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reconfigurable modular antenna system comprising: a first module comprising at least a first part of a first antenna system; a second replaceable module comprising at least a second part of a first antenna system and a part of a second antenna system; and an interconnect between the first module and the second replaceable module that couples the first part of the first antenna system to the second part of the first antenna system to form the first antenna system, wherein the first antenna system is configured to operate in a first frequency band and the second antenna system is configured to operate in a second frequency band, different to the first frequency band.