Nested Antenna Elements for Multi-Band Operation and Low SAR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna units for portable wireless communication devices face challenges in being compact while operating on multiple frequency bands and maintaining low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to minimize radiation absorption by the human body.

Innovation Solution

The antenna unit design includes a combination of first and second antenna elements, with the second antenna element disposed between the first antenna element and the ground conductor, utilizing a trap circuit and parasitic or ground elements to resonate at different frequencies, thereby distributing electric currents and reducing SAR, while allowing for compact size and wideband operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna unit is made compact to fit portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to operate on multiple frequency bands and maintain low SAR is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna unit sizeVSAvoidmulti-band operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested antenna structure where the second antenna element is disposed between the first antenna element and the ground conductor. This nesting arrangement allows multiple antenna elements to occupy overlapping spatial regions, enabling multi-band operation within a compact footprint. The first antenna element operates at a first frequency band while the second antenna element operates at a second frequency band, and both elements are integrated within the same structural envelope, effectively nesting one antenna system within another.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning the second antenna element between the first antenna element and the ground conductor in the vertical dimension. This dimensional arrangement allows the antenna unit to achieve multi-band operation without increasing the planar footprint, effectively using the vertical space to accommodate additional antenna elements and their associated trap circuits for different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna elements are added to achieve wideband operation, then frequency coverage is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna elements and their associated trap circuits into a single integrated antenna unit. The first antenna element with its trap circuit for the first frequency band, and the second antenna element with its trap circuit for the second frequency band, are merged into one compact structure. This merging approach allows wideband operation to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the elements share common structural support and grounding arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If antenna elements are positioned closer to the human body for compact design, then device size is reduced, but the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna unit sizeVSAvoidSpecific Absorption Rate (SAR)
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces trap circuits as intermediary components between the antenna elements and the ground conductor. These trap circuits are designed to resonate at specific frequencies and provide impedance transformation, which helps to isolate the antenna elements from the ground conductor and reduce direct coupling to the human body. The trap circuits act as mediators that allow the antenna to maintain compact size while managing electromagnetic energy distribution to control SAR levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration effectively reduces the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and allows the antenna unit to operate on multiple frequency bands with improved radiation efficiency and compact size, meeting the demands of wireless performance and regulatory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a first antenna element and a second antenna element, with the second antenna element disposed between the first antenna element and the ground conductor, respectively, resonating at a first frequency and a second frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a trap circuit connected between a second end of the first antenna element and a connection point on the ground conductor, the trap circuit resonating at a third frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3419115B1Antenna device and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3419115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3419115B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3419115B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

First antenna element (1) includes a first end connected to feedpoint (11), a second end connected to connection point (P4) on ground conductor (GND), and fold (P3) disposed between the first and the second ends. A part of a segment between the first end and fold (P3) of first antenna element (1) is disposed along ground conductor (GND). Second antenna element (2) branches off first antenna element (1). Second antenna element (2) is disposed between the part of first antenna element (1) disposed along ground conductor (GND) and ground conductor (GND). The segment between the first end and fold (P3) of first antenna element (1) resonates at frequency f1. Second antenna element (2) and a segment between the first end and branch point (P2) of first antenna element (1) resonate at frequency f2 that is higher than frequency fl.