Multi-band Loop Antenna with Nested Loops for Compact Vehicle Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window-mounted antennas for vehicles typically operate on single frequency bands, are aesthetically unpleasing, and obstruct the driver's view due to their large surface area, failing to accommodate multiple cellular communication frequency bands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna design featuring a conductive ground plane and a radiating strip with overlapping loops and a tunable branch, allowing operation across multiple frequency bands while maintaining a compact footprint and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large surface area antenna is used to operate on multiple frequency bands, then the antenna can accommodate multiple cellular communication frequency bands, but it obstructs the driver's view and is aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested loops where smaller loops are positioned within or alongside larger loops, allowing multiple frequency bands to be supported within a compact footprint. The loops share common segments and overlap in space, enabling multi-band operation without requiring proportionally larger antenna area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple loop structures into a single integrated antenna element, where loops share common conductive paths and segments. This merging allows the antenna to support multiple frequency bands while maintaining a compact, unified structure that minimizes the overall surface area required.
2Reliability
If a traditional vertical rod antenna is used, then the antenna provides reliable RF signal transmission, but it extends from body panels and creates wind resistance and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional vertical rod antenna (one-dimensional extension) to a planar loop antenna integrated into the window surface (two-dimensional configuration). This dimensional change allows the antenna to maintain RF transmission capability while conforming to the vehicle's aesthetic requirements and reducing wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the loop antenna to serve multiple functions: it provides RF signal transmission for multiple frequency bands, integrates aesthetically with the vehicle window, and eliminates the need for separate vertical rod antennas. The ground plane and loop structure work together to achieve reliable transmission across different frequency bands.
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 antenna provides excellent performance for transmitting and receiving RF signals across multiple frequency bands with linear polarization, achieving a compact design that does not obstruct the driver's view and offers improved aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-band antenna includes a ground plane formed of conductive material and a radiating strip formed of conductive material disposed generally co-planar with the ground plane... for transmitting and receiving RF signals
Implementation Method 2
The radiating strip defines a plurality of loops... The branch is tunable to adjust the resonant frequencies of the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna includes a non-conductive pane, a ground plane disposed on the non-conductive pane, and a radiating strip disposed on the non-conductive pane for operating in a plurality of frequency bands. The radiating strip defines a plurality of loops. A portion of a periphery of one of the loops coincides with at least a portion of a periphery of another of the loops. The radiating strip also includes at least one branch extending away from the periphery of one of the loops to allow tuning and shifting of the resonant frequencies of the antenna.