Motor Feed Antenna for UAV RF Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining effective wireless communication capabilities, as power supply traces often interfere with RF signal radiation due to close proximity to antennas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a motor feed antenna that serves both as a power conductor to the motor and a wireless RF antenna, utilizing conductive traces with frequency-selective traps and impedance matching circuits to isolate RF signals from power signals, allowing for efficient power transmission and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the size and weight of UAVs are reduced, then the portability and maneuverability are improved, but the wireless antenna performance deteriorates due to close proximity between antenna and power supply traces
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive trace is segmented into multiple sections with different functions: a first section serving as antenna element and a second section serving as power supply trace. This segmentation allows the trace to be divided into functional zones that can operate independently, enabling both power transmission and wireless communication without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the conductive trace are designed with different local properties: the first section is optimized for RF signal radiation with specific geometric configurations, while the second section is optimized for power conduction. This local quality differentiation allows each section to perform its designated function effectively despite the compact overall structure.
2Device complexity
If power supply traces are placed close to wireless antenna, then the device complexity is reduced, but the RF signal radiation performance deteriorates due to interference from power traces
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply trace and antenna element are merged into a single conductive trace structure. The first section of the trace functions as the antenna element while the second section functions as the power supply trace, eliminating the need for separate antenna and power trace structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive trace is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the antenna element for wireless communication and the power supply trace for motor operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining both RF signal radiation and power conduction capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate antenna and power supply structures are used, then the RF signal radiation performance is maintained, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply trace and antenna element are merged into a single conductive trace structure. The first section of the trace functions as the antenna element while the second section functions as the power supply trace, eliminating the need for separate antenna and power trace structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive trace is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the antenna element for wireless communication and the power supply trace for motor operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining both RF signal radiation and power conduction capabilities.
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
This solution enables reduced size and weight of UAVs while maintaining or improving wireless antenna performance, allowing for effective wireless communication without interference between power supply traces and RF signals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one trap coupled between the at least one conductive trace and the motor, the at least one trap configured to allow the electrical power signal to pass to the motor and to block an RF signal transmitted by the wireless communication device from passing to the motor
Implementation Method 2
a motor feed antenna coupled to the power supply and the wireless communication device, the motor feed antenna configured to conduct the electrical power signal from the power supply to the motor
Implementation Method 3
to transmit or receive RF signals as an antenna for the wireless communication device
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an unmanned vehicle includes a power supply configured to supply an electrical power signal to a motor for propelling the unmanned vehicle, a wireless communication device configured to transmit or receive a radio frequency (RF) signal, and a motor feed antenna coupled to the power supply and the wireless communication device, the motor feed antenna configured to conduct the electrical power signal from the power supply to the motor, and to transmit or receive RF signals as an antenna for the wireless communication device.