Multilayer Composite Sheet for 5G Antenna Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antenna housings for 5G millimeter wave applications face challenges in achieving improved signal transmission performance and reduced weight due to high signal attenuation and increased weight from integrated components like RRU and AAU.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer composite sheet comprising non-foamed skin layers and a foamed core layer made from polycarbonate compositions, with specific thickness and density ranges, is used to create an antenna housing that enhances signal transmittance and reduces weight, achieved through co-extrusion, thermoforming, or adhesive bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solid structure antenna housing is made from polycarbonate resin by injection molding or extrusion molding, then the basic mechanical properties are maintained, but the signal loss is high due to higher Dk and Df values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidsignal loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna housing is divided into multiple layers with different densities and properties: outer skin layers made of solid polycarbonate for mechanical strength and protection, and a core layer made of foamed polycarbonate for low signal attenuation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between mechanical integrity and signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structure combining solid polycarbonate and foamed polycarbonate in a multilayer configuration. The solid outer layers provide mechanical protection while the foamed core layer provides excellent signal transmission with low Dk and Df values, achieving both structural requirements and electromagnetic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the integration of RRU with AAU is performed, then the functionality is enhanced, but the weight of the antenna part is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration functionalityVSAvoidantenna weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The core layer uses foamed polycarbonate material which has a porous structure with air pockets distributed throughout. This porous structure significantly reduces the density and weight of the housing while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and providing excellent electromagnetic wave transmission properties for the integrated antenna system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentEP4140728A1A multilayer composite sheet for antenna housing
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 COVESTRO DEUTSCHLAND AG
  • EP4140728A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4140728A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4140728A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present application relates to a multilayer composite sheet for antenna housing, a preparation method therefor, and use thereof. The multilayer composite sheet comprises at least two non-foamed skin layers (1, 2) and a foamed core layer (3) therebetween. The multilayer composite sheet according to the present invention can achieve improved signal transmission performance and reduced weight, and can be used as an outdoor and/or indoor antenna housing.