Multi-Band Antenna Array Layout for 360-Degree High-Gain Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi access points face challenges in achieving optimal antenna gain and 360-degree coverage, particularly when transitioning from indoor to outdoor deployments, as current designs either have low gain due to integrated antennas or require unsightly external installations, and vertical arrays are limited by narrow elevation beam-widths.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna array is configured with vertically arranged antenna elements on an octagonal chassis, utilizing a corporate feed network to ensure in-phase alignment, reducing elevation beam-width while maintaining 360-degree coverage, and incorporating parasitic elements for improved efficiency and bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If vertically arranged antenna elements are used to increase antenna gain, then antenna gain is improved, but elevation beam-width becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar antenna array to a three-dimensional spherical arrangement of antenna elements. By distributing elements across multiple facets of a spherical chassis in both vertical and horizontal dimensions, the system achieves high antenna gain through spatial concentration while maintaining wide elevation beam-width coverage through omnidirectional geometric distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged on different facets of the spherical chassis. Each facet contains segmented antenna elements that can be independently controlled, allowing the system to achieve high gain in specific directions while maintaining overall wide coverage through coordinated operation of all segments.
2Volume of moving object
If integrated antennas are used in Wi-Fi access points, then device compactness is improved, but antenna gain becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a complex spherical antenna array structure within a compact chassis housing. The multiple antenna elements and feed networks are nested concentrically within the spherical form factor, achieving high antenna gain through three-dimensional element distribution while maintaining a compact overall device volume suitable for indoor deployment.
3Power
If external antennas are installed to achieve high gain, then antenna gain is improved, but installation complexity and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna array structure with the access point chassis itself, forming an integrated spherical unit. The antenna elements, feed networks, and housing are combined into a single compact device that achieves high antenna gain without requiring separate external antenna installations, thereby simplifying deployment while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
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 enhances antenna gain and reduces elevation beam-width, allowing for effective 360-degree communication, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while maintaining a compact form factor and minimizing physical installation constraints.
Implementation Method 1
antenna elements of the antenna arrays being arrayed together in-phase so that an electrical downtilt of an elevation beam-width is fixed relative to a substantially horizontal reference plane
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-band antenna arrays and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes a tubular body comprising a plurality of ground plane substrates that are arranged into a geometrical configuration. Antenna arrays are associated with the plurality of ground plane substrates. The antenna elements of the antenna arrays are arrayed together in-phase so that an electrical downtilt of an elevation beam-width is fixed relative to a substantially horizontal reference plane. The device also includes two or more radios connected to the antenna arrays on the plurality of ground plane substrates via a feed network.