Modular Planar Antenna with Vertical Signal Feeder for GPS Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle navigation systems with integrated GPS units, such as those in PDA, Notebook computers, and mobile phones, face challenges in assembly time and manufacturing cost due to complex antenna integration with circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A modularized planar antenna structure featuring a ceramic base with a radiation metal plate and ground metal plate, a T-shaped signal feeder, and a connection unit that allows direct surface soldering to the circuit board, maintaining directivity and reducing assembly complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna unit is arranged horizontally on the circuit board and electrically connected through a wire, then the satellite signal can be transmitted, but the assembly time increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna unit with the circuit board by directly embedding the antenna unit into the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate wire connections and mechanical fastening. The antenna unit is positioned in an antenna cavity and electrically connected through direct contact between the radiation element and circuit board traces, significantly reducing assembly steps and time while maintaining signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the signal processing substrate and the mechanical support structure for the antenna. The antenna cavity and grounding structure are integrated into the circuit board design, allowing the board to provide electromagnetic shielding, mechanical support, and electrical connection simultaneously, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity
2Reliability
If the antenna unit is arranged horizontally on the circuit board and electrically connected through a wire, then the satellite signal can be transmitted, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna unit with the circuit board by directly embedding the antenna unit into the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate wire connections and mechanical fastening. The antenna unit is positioned in an antenna cavity and electrically connected through direct contact between the radiation element and circuit board traces, significantly reducing assembly steps and time while maintaining signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the signal processing substrate and the mechanical support structure for the antenna. The antenna cavity and grounding structure are integrated into the circuit board design, allowing the board to provide electromagnetic shielding, mechanical support, and electrical connection simultaneously, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the antenna structure uses a modularized planar design with direct surface soldering, then the assembly process is simplified and cost is reduced, but the antenna must maintain directivity toward zenith
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal planar arrangement to a vertical three-dimensional configuration. The antenna unit is positioned upright in an antenna cavity with the radiation element extending vertically, allowing the antenna to maintain zenith directivity while the modular design enables simplified assembly through direct surface mounting and soldering techniques
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 modular design simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures efficient satellite signal reception while maintaining antenna directivity, thus enhancing the integration of GPS units in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation metal plate on a face of the base
Implementation Method 2
a signal feeder passing through the through hole and including a hemisphere end for electrically connecting to the radiation metal plate
Implementation Method 3
each of the connection plate including a bump for connecting to the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A modularized planar antenna structure includes an antenna unit, a connection unit, a circuit board and a cover. The modularized planar antenna structure connects the antenna unit and circuit board. The antenna unit includes a signal feeder electrically connected the circuit board at end thereof such that the antenna unit is vertical to the circuit board. The cover is assembled to the circuit to protect the circuit board from electromagnetic interference or strike of external article. When the antenna structure is assembled to a main circuit board of an electronic device, the circuit board can be directly assembled to the main circuit board of an electronic device and the circular-polarized antenna unit points toward zenith direction to receive satellite signal.