Modular Antenna with Telescoping Vertical Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in receiving digital television signals reliably with existing indoor antennas, as they require adjustments and do not provide a graceful degradation of signal quality, leading to abrupt reception loss without clear indication of signal strength.
Innovation Solution
A modular reconfigurable indoor antenna system with adjustable vertical members and conductors for UHF and VHF frequencies, allowing for flexible positioning and expansion to optimize signal reception, including telescoping and expandable elements for improved signal capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed configuration indoor antennas are used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal reception reliability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different signal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system employs telescoping vertical members that can dynamically adjust their length to optimize signal reception for different frequencies and signal conditions. The members can extend and retract to change the electrical length of the antenna elements, allowing the system to adapt to varying reception requirements without requiring complete reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into modular segments including a base piece, multiple telescoping vertical members, and a top piece. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each member while maintaining overall system functionality. The modular design enables flexible configuration for different frequency bands (VHF and UHF) while keeping the base structure simple and fixed.
2Reliability
If adjustable antenna elements are provided, then signal reception quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system comes pre-configured with telescoping members in optimal positions for both VHF and UHF reception. The modular design allows the antenna to be assembled in a default optimal configuration, eliminating the need for users to perform complex adjustments. The preliminary configuration provides immediate satisfactory performance while retaining the capability for future optimization if needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping vertical members are used, then adaptability to different frequencies is improved, but device complexity increases due to expandable elements
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping vertical members provide dynamic length adjustment capability within a fixed structural framework. The members can extend to increase electrical length for VHF frequencies and retract for UHF frequencies, enabling broad frequency adaptability. The telescoping mechanism uses simple nested tubes with friction or mechanical locking, avoiding complex motors or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The same telescoping vertical members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the antenna elements, enable frequency adaptation through length adjustment, and maintain proper element spacing. The base piece and top piece serve as universal mounting structures that accommodate different member configurations for various frequency bands.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular reconfigurable indoor antenna is disclosed. The antenna may include a bottom piece, a top piece, and a plurality of vertical members. The top piece may include an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) reception element. The plurality of vertical members may be disposed between the bottom piece and the top piece and coupled therewith. At least one of the plurality of vertical members may include a Very High Frequency (VHF) reception element.