Multiferroic Antenna Resonators for Low-Loss Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas face challenges with low radiating capability near conductive planes and high Ohmic losses when miniaturized, and multiferroic antenna designs struggle with energy efficiency and ease of manufacture for practical antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical mediated multiferroic antenna utilizing dynamic magnetic flux current oscillations to couple mechanical waves with electromagnetic waves, featuring magnetoelastic/magnetostrictive resonators on a piezoelectric substrate, which reduces energy loss and enhances signal detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional antennas are miniaturized to reduce size, then the antenna dimensions are reduced, but Ohmic losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetoelastic/magnetostrictive resonators as an intermediary mechanism that couples mechanical waves with electromagnetic waves. These resonators act as a mediator between the piezoelectric substrate and free space, enabling efficient energy transfer without requiring large conductive elements that would cause Ohmic losses. The mechanical wave coupling through the substrate provides a low-loss transmission path for miniaturized antenna operation.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional antennas are placed near conductive planes to reduce size, then the antenna footprint is reduced, but radiating capability deteriorates due to platform effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electromagnetic radiation mechanism with a mechanics-based approach. Instead of relying on oscillating electrical currents in conductive elements that are sensitive to platform effects, the invention uses mechanical waves propagating through the piezoelectric substrate to excite magnetoelastic resonators. This mechanical wave coupling is insensitive to the presence of conductive planes, allowing the antenna to maintain high radiating capability while being placed near or on conductive surfaces.
3Loss of energy
If multiferroic antenna designs are implemented to improve energy efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but ease of manufacture deteriorates for practical antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna structure into modular components: a piezoelectric substrate, multiple magnetoelastic/magnetostrictive resonators, and electrode patterns. These segmented elements can be independently fabricated using standard thin-film deposition and photolithography techniques, then assembled into arrays. This modular segmentation enables practical manufacturing of large-scale antenna arrays while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of multiferroic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetoelastic/magnetostrictive resonators to achieve frequency tuning and optimization. By controlling the physical dimensions, material composition, and geometric parameters of the resonators, the antenna can be optimized for specific frequency bands without requiring complex circuitry. This parameter-based design simplifies the manufacturing process for antenna arrays, as resonators can be systematically varied to create multi-frequency or broadband arrays using standard fabrication tolerances.
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 enables efficient detection and transmission of radio frequency signals with extremely small antenna structures, overcoming the limitations of conventional antennas by reducing energy loss and allowing for the creation of compact, high signal strength antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric substrate; wherein said electrodes in combination with piezoelectric substrate convert between radio frequency electrical signals input at the electrodes to mechanical waves in the piezoelectric substrate
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnetoelastic and/or magnetostrictive resonators coupled to said piezoelectric substrate; wherein said magnetoelastic and/or magnetostrictive resonators in combination with said piezoelectric substrate convert between radio frequency electromagnetic waves input at said magnetoelastic and/or magnetostrictive resonators to mechanical waves in said piezoelectric substrate
Implementation Method 3
magnetoelastic/magnetostrictive resonators on a piezoelectric substrate, which reduces energy loss and enhances signal detection efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A multiferroic antenna apparatus and method are described which provides increased energy efficiencies and ease of implementation. Magnetoelastic and/or magnetostrictive resonator are coupled to a piezoelectric substrate, along with electrodes coupled to its opposing surfaces. In receive mode the resonators create mechanical waves in response to being excited into magnetic oscillation by receiving electromagnetic radiation, and these mechanical waves coupled to the piezoelectric substrate causing it to generate an electrical output signal at said electrodes. In transmit mode an electrical signal coupled through the electrodes induces mechanical waves in the piezoelectric substrate directed to the resonators which are excited into magnetic oscillation to output electromagnetic waves.