Dual-Band Monopole Antenna with Current Suppressing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-band antennas for wireless local area networks (WLANs) operating in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands are limited in their ability to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for simultaneous operation across these frequency ranges, requiring multiple antennas or complex diversity systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual-band antenna design featuring a conductive ground plane and a rod-shaped monopole element with a current suppressing element attached, allowing the antenna to operate effectively across a wide range of frequencies, including the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with a relatively wide cross-section and specific length and positioning of the current suppressing element to achieve optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas or complex diversity systems are used to achieve dual-band operation, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure. The monopole element with specific length and width ratios, combined with the ground plane and current suppressing elements, creates one antenna that can operate across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), eliminating the need for separate antennas for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna design achieves multi-functionality by operating in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands simultaneously. The monopole element's dimensions and the current suppressing element's positioning enable the antenna to serve multiple frequency ranges, making it a universal solution for dual-band WLAN devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are deployed for dual-band operation, then frequency band coverage is improved, but the physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single compact structure. By using one monopole element with optimized dimensions (length-to-width ratio between 2:1 and 4:1) and strategic current suppressing element placement, the design achieves dual-band operation without requiring separate antenna enclosures, thus reducing overall volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dual-band antennas are used, then frequency band coverage is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by consolidating multiple antenna components into a single integrated structure. The monopole element, ground plane, and current suppressing elements form one unified antenna assembly that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module, reducing component count, assembly steps, and overall manufacturing cost compared to multiple separate antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna design provides universal dual-band functionality, allowing manufacturers to use one antenna component instead of multiple band-specific antennas. This universality reduces inventory complexity, simplifies supply chain management, and lowers per-unit manufacturing costs for dual-band devices.
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 proposed antenna design provides a low-profile, cost-effective, and efficient dual-band operation, capable of transmitting omnidirectional radiation patterns in both frequency bands, suitable for IEEE 802.11 standards, with measured performance demonstrating its effectiveness in both azimuth and elevation plane patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a rod shaped monopole element having a conductive surface, oriented out from the ground plane and having a length selected for a first radio frequency band
Implementation Method 2
having a length selected for a first radio frequency band... such that the antenna is operable over relatively wide ranges of frequencies
Implementation Method 3
a current suppressing element conductively attached and surrounding the surface of the monopole element at a location on the monopole element determined by a second frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna comprising: (a) a conductive ground plane; and (b) a rod shaped monopole element having a conductive surface, oriented out from the ground plane and having a length selected for a first radio frequency band, the monopole element having a current suppressing element conductively attached and surrounding the surface of the monopole element at a location on the monopole element determined by a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. The rod-shaped monopole element has a relatively wide cross-section such that the antenna is operable over relatively wide ranges of frequencies in one or both of the frequency bands. The antenna is for operation in the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz bands as used in the IEEE 802.11a,b,g standards.