Monopole Antenna with Out-of-Phase Feed Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diversity antenna systems face aesthetic issues due to multiple antennas being visible on vehicles and regulatory restrictions on windshield and rear glass usage, which can affect antenna reception, especially in convertibles.
Innovation Solution
A single electrical half-wave monopole antenna element with two out-of-phase electrical feed points, integrated with a diversity combiner, is fixedly attached to a vehicle surface, such as a rear spoiler or cowl lip, to combine signals and improve reception quality while being aesthetically pleasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are used in a diversity system, then radio signal reception quality is improved, but vehicle appearance and styling are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single antenna element by creating multiple out-of-phase feed points on one monopole antenna. This merging approach maintains the diversity reception capability while eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas, thus preserving vehicle appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single antenna element into multiple functional feed points (first and second out-of-phase feed points) that can be independently connected to a diversity combiner. This segmentation allows the single physical antenna to perform multiple reception functions simultaneously.
2Shape
If antennas are placed in the windshield or rear glass, then antenna visibility is reduced, but regulatory compliance and signal reception are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the antenna from traditional two-dimensional surfaces (windshield or rear glass) to a three-dimensional exterior surface (roof, hood, trunk, or fender). This dimensional change allows the antenna to be positioned on painted metal surfaces where it can be aesthetically integrated while maintaining optimal signal reception characteristics.
3Shape
If a single antenna element is used, then vehicle appearance is improved, but radio signal reception quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the single antenna element by creating multiple feed points with different phase relationships (out-of-phase feed points). This parameter modification allows the single antenna to simulate multiple antenna behaviors, maintaining reception quality while preserving appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diversity combiner as an intermediary device that processes signals from the multiple feed points of the single antenna element. The combiner selects or combines signals to optimize reception quality, enabling the single antenna system to achieve performance comparable to multiple separate antennas.
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 solution provides improved radio signal reception quality by combining signals with a maximum gain value, reducing the need for multiple antennas and addressing styling and regulatory concerns.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna element for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals
Implementation Method 2
The first signal is out of phase when compared to the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna of the present invention includes an electrical half wave monopole antenna element fixedly attached to a surface, where the antenna element includes an electrical center. A first electrical feed point is located on a first side of the antenna element. A second electrical feed point is located on a second side of the antenna element. The second side generally opposes the first side of the antenna element. The first and second electrical feed points are about one-twentieth a wavelength from the electrical center. A first signal corresponds with the first electrical feed point and a second signal corresponds with the second electrical feed point. The first signal is out of phase when compared to the second signal.