Multi-band Strip Antenna with Meander Line and Tuning Stubs
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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 size, failing to accommodate multiple cellular communication frequency bands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna design featuring a conductive ground plane with a radiating strip that includes a meander line portion and tunable stubs, allowing operation across multiple frequency bands while maintaining a compact footprint and supporting vertical polarization, thus enhancing aesthetic appeal and driver visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional rod antenna is used, then the antenna can transmit and receive RF signals, but it obstructs the driver's view and is aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a three-dimensional rod structure extending outward to a two-dimensional planar structure disposed on the vehicle body surface. The radiating element is configured as a flat conductor with specific geometric patterns (including meander lines and stubs) that enable multi-band operation while maintaining a low profile that does not obstruct the driver's view or compromise aesthetics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-band antenna is used, then the antenna structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate multiple cellular communication frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed as a multi-functional structure where a single radiating element serves multiple frequency bands (e.g., GSM 850, GSM 900, DCS 1800, PCS 1900). The radiating element incorporates meander line portions and tuning stubs that enable resonance at multiple frequencies, allowing one antenna structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating element is divided into distinct functional segments: a meander line portion that provides inductance and enables lower frequency operation, tuning stubs that resonate at specific frequencies to enable higher band operation, and a feed point for signal input. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific frequency ranges while working together as a unified multi-band antenna.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna surface area is increased to improve signal reception, then multi-band operation is achieved, but the antenna becomes visually prominent and obstructs the driver's view
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates meander line geometry that folds the radiating path into a compact spatial footprint. Instead of a straight linear element, the conductor follows a meandering path with multiple bends and turns, effectively increasing the electrical length and resonant frequency range within a smaller physical area, thereby maintaining compact dimensions while achieving multi-band operation.
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 across multiple frequency bands with a compact design that does not obstruct the driver's view, offering improved aesthetics and efficient RF signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
The meander line portion provides the antenna with capabilities to operate on a second frequency band
Implementation Method 2
The tuning stubs are tunable to adjust the resonant frequencies of the antenna
Implementation Method 3
A multi-band antenna includes a ground plane formed of conductive material. A radiating strip formed of conductive material is disposed generally co-planar with the ground plane
Implementation Method 4
The antenna provides excellent performance characteristics for transmitting or receiving RF signals over multiple frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band antenna includes a non-conductive pane, a ground plane disposed on the non-conductive pane, and a radiating strip for operating in a plurality of frequency bands. The radiating strip includes an elongated portion and a meander line portion extending away from an end of the elongated portion. The radiating strip also includes a pair of tuning stubs extending from the elongated portion.