Multiband Antenna Merging for Compact Vehicle Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiband antennas for vehicles, particularly locomotives, face challenges in achieving compact dimensions, meeting strict height restrictions, and operating across a wide frequency range (150 MHz to 6 GHz) while ensuring insulation between channels and robustness against vibrations and environmental disturbances, often requiring complex and costly installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A multiband antenna design featuring a mono-cone-shaped radiant element, a cylindrical-shaped radiant element, and a trapezoid-shaped radiant section, combined with a base plate for earthing, allowing simultaneous operation across multiple frequency bands with a single RF coaxial cable connected to a multiplexer, reducing the need for multiple filters and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single antennas are used to cover different frequency bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase due to multiple cables and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single antennas into a single integrated multiband antenna structure that operates across multiple frequency bands (VHF, UHF, 4G, Wi-Fi) simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate antennas, RF coaxial cables, and channel filters, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining broad frequency coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiband antenna is designed to perform multiple functions by operating across diverse frequency bands including VHF (159-163 MHz, 216-223 MHz), UHF (450-460 MHz), 4G (698-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz, 2500-2690 MHz), and Wi-Fi (2400-2485 MHz, 4900-5945 MHz). This universal design allows a single antenna to replace multiple specialized antennas, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If antenna height is increased to meet low frequency operational requirements, then functional performance is improved, but structural restrictions are violated due to tunnel height limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structural design where the antenna elements are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The multiband antenna integrates multiple radiating elements and frequency-handling components within a constrained vertical envelope, allowing the antenna to maintain functional performance for low frequency operations while adhering to strict height restrictions for tunnel passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design transitions from a vertically extended structure to a more horizontally or compactly arranged configuration. By redistributing the antenna elements and functional components in alternative spatial dimensions, the design achieves the necessary electrical length for low frequency operation without exceeding the vertical height constraints imposed by tunnel infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed on the locomotive roof, then frequency band coverage is improved, but available installation surface is reduced due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single antennas into one integrated multiband antenna unit, consolidating what would have been multiple separate installations into a single footprint on the locomotive roof. This combination maintains comprehensive frequency band coverage while significantly reducing the useful surface area required for installation.
4Reliability
If robust design is implemented to withstand vibrations and environmental disturbances, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates robust mounting structures and vibration-resistant design features directly into the antenna construction, providing beforehand protection against the harsh vibrational and environmental conditions typical of railway operations. This preemptive approach to cushioning against disturbances ensures reliable operation without requiring complex additional protective systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiband antenna for transmitting and receiving a range of frequencies substantially between 150 MHz and 6 GHz of the type having: a base plate-like conductive element connected to a connected-mass conductive surface; a first radiant element configured to transmit and receive in a frequency range substantially between 698 MHz and 6 GHz; a second radiant element connected—at the upper part—to said first radiant element and configured so as to collaborate with the first radiant element to transmit and receive in a frequency range substantially between 400 MHz and 500 MHz; a radiant unit configured to transmit and receive in the frequency range substantially between 216 MHz and 223 MHz and in the frequency range substantially between 159 MHz and 163 MHz; an electrical connector with an external device, mechanically and electrically connected to the vertex of the first radiant element.