Multiband Antenna Assembly with Integrated Matching Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiband antennas face challenges in achieving high gain and broad bandwidth coverage due to tradeoffs between gain and band coverage, often requiring larger structures and compromising on performance and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multiband antenna assembly with a unique matching network structure that includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and balun, featuring a concentric capacitance and inductors, along with a spring contact assembly for solderless connections and a sealed antenna base assembly to maintain moisture and water seals, allowing for impedance matching across multiple frequency bands including VHF, UHF, and Cell/LTE 700/800 MHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multiband antennas use multiple separate antennas to cover multiple frequency ranges, then bandwidth coverage is improved, but device complexity and structural size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements (whip antenna, helical antenna, and patch antenna) into a single integrated antenna assembly that can operate across multiple frequency bands (VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz). The matching network integrates impedance matching for all bands, eliminating the need for separate antenna structures for each frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is designed as a universal multiband antenna that can simultaneously cover VHF (136-174 MHz), UHF (380-520 MHz), and 700/800 MHz (760-870 MHz) bands. The single integrated structure performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate antennas, reducing overall system complexity.
2Power
If conventional multiband antennas are designed for high gain, then signal strength is improved, but bandwidth coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different antenna elements optimized for specific frequency ranges within the overall assembly. The whip antenna and helical antenna provide gain for lower frequency bands (VHF and UHF), while the patch antenna contributes to higher frequency coverage (700/800 MHz). This localized optimization allows each element to maximize gain in its designated band while the integrated system maintains broad overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching network is designed with dynamic impedance matching capabilities that can adapt to different frequency bands. The network includes variable components and tuning mechanisms that allow the antenna system to optimize its impedance match across the wide frequency range, maintaining high gain performance across multiple bands rather than being fixed for a single band.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multiband antennas use larger structures to achieve broad bandwidth, then bandwidth coverage is improved, but aesthetic appearance and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly employs a nested configuration where the helical antenna is positioned around the whip antenna, and the patch antenna is integrated into the base assembly. This nesting allows multiple antenna elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, achieving broad bandwidth coverage in a compact footprint that would be aesthetically pleasing for vehicle mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to pack multiple antenna elements into a compact base assembly. The helical antenna provides vertical dimension utilization, the whip antenna extends in one direction, and the patch antenna is positioned in the base plane. This multi-dimensional arrangement achieves broad bandwidth coverage without requiring a large planar footprint, maintaining compactness and 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
This solution enables high gain and broad bandwidth coverage in a compact, aesthetically pleasing package, maintaining moisture seals and handling multiple frequency bands effectively, while reducing the need for larger structures and improving reliability and shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board and balun are configured to be operable for providing impedance matching via a matching network that includes a first inductor, a second inductor, and a concentric capacitance
Implementation Method 2
a balun coupled to the printed circuit. The printed circuit board and balun are configured to be operable for providing impedance matching
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of a base assembly includes a printed circuit board and a balun coupled to the printed circuit. The printed circuit board and balun are configured to be operable for providing impedance matching via a matching network that includes a first inductor, a second inductor, and a concentric capacitance. The base assembly is operable for providing a multiband antenna assembly with impedance matching simultaneously with more than one frequency band.