Multi-band Antenna Using Nested Cylindrical Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antennas are designed for single frequency ranges, requiring multiple antennas and feed lines for different frequency bands, which increases space and cost requirements.

Innovation Solution

A compact multi-band antenna structure using overlapping cylindrical tubes of varying lengths, separated by dielectric materials, where each tube is impedance-matched to its respective wavelength, allowing simultaneous phase feeding to achieve multiple frequency bands in a single configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency ranges, then each frequency band can be optimized independently, but the space requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna elements (first antenna element and second antenna element) into a single integrated antenna structure. The first antenna element is positioned within a cavity formed by the second antenna element, creating a compact multi-band antenna that covers multiple frequency ranges while occupying minimal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure implements nesting by placing the first antenna element inside the cavity of the second antenna element. This nested configuration allows both antenna elements to coexist in a compact arrangement, enabling multi-frequency operation without requiring separate antenna spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency ranges, then each frequency band can be optimized independently, but the number of feed lines and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidnumber of feed lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antenna elements into a single integrated structure that can be fed by a common feed line. The first and second antenna elements are electrically connected to the same feed line, eliminating the need for separate feed lines for each frequency band and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single feed line serves multiple functions by feeding both the first antenna element and the second antenna element. This universal feed line design enables the antenna structure to operate across multiple frequency bands without requiring dedicated feed lines for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional single-frequency antennas are used, then the antenna design is simple, but separate antennas are needed for each frequency band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structure simplicityVSAvoidfrequency band coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is segmented into multiple antenna elements (first antenna element and second antenna element) with different lengths, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. The first antenna element has a length optimized for a first frequency range, while the second antenna element has a length optimized for a second frequency range, allowing multi-band operation within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the antenna structure have locally optimized properties. The first antenna element is designed with specific dimensional characteristics for optimal performance in the first frequency range, while the second antenna element has different dimensional characteristics optimized for the second frequency range. This local optimization enables each element to perform its designated frequency function effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables a compact, efficient multi-band antenna that reduces space requirements and maintains a standard dipole radiation pattern across multiple frequency bands, with adjustable tube lengths determining the resonant frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

adjacent tubes separated by a dielectric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

each tube a different length... each tube is impedance-matched to its respective wavelength... resonant frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2863477B1Multi-band antenna
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2863477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2863477B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2863477B1 patent drawingFigure 5A

AI summary

A compact multi-band antenna structure consisting of overlapping elements formed like tree rings is described. A dipole multi-band antenna includes a first arm having a first conductive cylinder with a predetermined length corresponding to a first frequency and a second conductive cylinder having a predetermined length corresponding to a second frequency positioned over the first conductive cylinder without contact between the first conductive cylinder and the second conductive cylinder. A first end of the first conductive cylinder is in the same plane as and is electrically coupled to a first end of the second conductive cylinder. A second arm is similarly formed. A feed line is coupled to the first and second conductive cylinders and to the cylinders in the second arm. Additional frequencies may be added by similarly stacking additional conductive cylinders. The structure is also applied to monopole, circular, spiral, helical and slot antennas.