Multiband Antenna Assemblies With Nested Helical And Linear Radiators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helical antennas have narrow bandwidths, particularly in the VHF and UHF bands, and existing multiband antennas face challenges in achieving broad bandwidths and manufacturability while maintaining mechanical structural integrity and compact size.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiband antenna assemblies incorporating helical and linear radiating elements, where the linear radiator is aligned with or disposed along the longitudinal axis of the helical radiator, and a matching network is used to broaden bandwidth and enhance manufacturability, allowing operation across multiple frequency bands such as VHF, UHF, and GPS frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional helical antennas are used, then the antenna structure is simple and manufacturable, but the bandwidth is narrow particularly in VHF and UHF bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a helical radiator and a linear radiator into a single integrated antenna assembly. The helical radiator provides omnidirectional radiation pattern and the linear radiator enhances bandwidth, particularly in VHF and UHF bands. This merging allows the antenna to achieve broad bandwidth while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturability through a unified design approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is designed to operate across multiple frequency bands including VHF, UHF, and GPS frequencies simultaneously. The helical and linear radiators work together to provide multi-functional coverage, enabling a single antenna structure to serve multiple communication purposes without requiring separate antennas for each band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to cover multiple frequency ranges, then the bandwidth and functionality are improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate antennas for different frequency bands, the patent merges multiple radiating functions into a single integrated assembly. The helical radiator and linear radiator are combined in one structure that can operate across VHF, UHF, and GPS bands simultaneously, reducing the number of discrete antenna components needed in the wireless device.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear radiator is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the helical radiator, with the linear element nested within or alongside the helical structure. This nesting arrangement allows both radiators to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual radiation patterns and frequency responses, achieving multiband operation in a compact form factor.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced to fit smaller portable devices, then the device compactness is improved, but the antenna gain and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The linear radiator is nested along the longitudinal axis of the helical radiator, maximizing the use of available space within a compact volume. This nested configuration allows the antenna to maintain its electrical length and radiation efficiency while minimizing the physical footprint, enabling deployment in space-constrained portable wireless devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of helical and linear radiators in a single integrated assembly creates synergistic effects that improve overall antenna efficiency. The helical radiator provides omnidirectional coverage while the linear radiator enhances gain in specific directions, particularly for GPS and horizontal orientations, achieving high efficiency within a compact structure.
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 assemblies achieve multiband operation with improved efficiency and gain, maintaining a compact size and thin profile, with open sky efficiency greater than 25% for GPS and near horizontal efficiency greater than 30% for the 7-800 MHz band, while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
antenna assemblies that include helical and linear radiating elements... resonant in at least three frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of multiband antenna assemblies, which generally include helical and linear radiating elements. In an exemplary embodiment, a multiband antenna assembly may generally include at least one helical radiator having a longitudinal axis. At least one linear radiator is aligned with and/or disposed at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the at least one helical radiator. The antenna assembly is resonant in at least three frequency bands.