Multi-Band Antenna Assembly for Compact Omni and Directional Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems require multiple antennas for omni-directional coverage, leading to space, weight, and interference issues in vehicles with limited surface area, and insufficient antenna gain for higher frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna assembly with a blade portion and top-hat panel containing antenna arrays, providing omnidirectional coverage for lower frequency bands and directional beam coverage for higher frequency bands, allowing for compact design and simultaneous operation of multiple systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are deployed for omni-directional coverage in different frequency bands, then communication coverage and system capability are improved, but the surface area required, weight, and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna systems for different frequency bands (e.g., L-band, S-band, C-band, X-band, Ka-band) into a single integrated antenna assembly. This merging approach allows the antenna to provide omni-directional coverage across multiple bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate antenna deployments and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna assembly is designed to perform multiple functions across different frequency bands using a single structure. The antenna can operate in various modes (omni-directional, directional, beamforming) and support multiple wireless communication systems (satellite, terrestrial, 5G, Wi-Fi) simultaneously, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized antennas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are deployed for different frequency bands, then multi-band communication is enabled, but the weight and aerodynamic drag of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple antenna systems into a single integrated assembly, the patent significantly reduces the total weight compared to deploying separate antennas for each frequency band. The shared structural support, common feed network, and integrated design eliminate redundant materials and components, achieving weight reduction while maintaining multi-band capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are deployed for omni-directional coverage, then coverage area is improved, but the surface area available for installation is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna array to a three-dimensional integrated assembly with vertical and angular dimensions. By utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions and incorporating reflectors/redirectors, the antenna achieves omni-directional coverage (360-degree horizontal coverage) from a compact footprint, effectively projecting coverage in all directions without requiring extensive surface area.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are deployed in close proximity, then space utilization is improved, but interference between antenna systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the signal paths for different frequency bands within the integrated assembly using band-specific feed networks and filtering mechanisms. Each frequency band (L, S, C, X, Ka) has its own dedicated signal extraction path, preventing interference between bands while maintaining compact integration. This extraction approach allows close proximity deployment without harmful interactions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting RF signals is described. In some examples, the apparatus is evidenced by a multi-band antenna assembly. The multi-band antenna assembly comprises of a base portion, a blade antenna supporting omni-directional beam while the second one is an antenna array that has a directional beam. The top portion comprises a first surface facing away from the base portion, the first surface having an first antenna array including a plurality of first antenna elements; a second surface facing the base portion; and a peripheral surface on a periphery of the top portion and disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the peripheral surface comprising one or more further antenna arrays having a plurality of further antenna elements.