Offset Antenna Coupler Layout for Switch-Free Signal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio devices face issues with switching between internal and external antennas due to costly, bulky, and performance-harming radio frequency switches, as well as unreliable detection systems that can cause noise and false measurements, leading to communication loss.
Innovation Solution
A communicating device with a substrate-based antenna and coupler configuration, where the antenna operates alone or in association with a complementary coupler to radiate and transfer signals without direct contact, using a metallic pattern and non-metallic zone to facilitate signal transfer without additional connection elements, ensuring electrical insulation and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radio frequency switch is used to switch between internal and external antennas, then antenna switching capability is achieved, but device complexity increases, power consumption increases, and radio performance deteriorates due to attenuation and unwanted emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the radio frequency switch and detection system from the antenna switching mechanism. Instead of using active switching components, the invention uses a passive coupling structure where the external antenna directly couples with the internal antenna through a coupling element, eliminating the need for complex detection and switching circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary between the internal antenna and external antenna. This coupling element enables signal transfer without requiring a radio frequency switch, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining antenna switching capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical switch is used to switch between internal and external antennas, then antenna switching capability is achieved, but device complexity increases, manufacturing difficulty increases, and radio performance deteriorates due to mechanical wobble and signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch with an electromagnetic coupling mechanism. The coupling element creates an electromagnetic field that enables signal transfer between antennas without mechanical contact, eliminating issues related to mechanical wobble, contact wear, and difficulty of integration into printed circuit boards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection systems are used to detect external antenna connection, then antenna switching capability is achieved, but reliability decreases due to false measurements, and communication stability deteriorates due to immediate loss of communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically detect and adapt to the presence of an external antenna through the coupling element without requiring separate detection circuits. The coupling structure itself provides the detection function, and the system seamlessly switches between internal and external antenna modes without causing communication interruptions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radio frequency switches are used for antenna switching, then antenna switching capability is achieved, but radio performance deteriorates due to additional attenuation and unwanted emissions from non-linear elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the radio frequency switch and its associated non-linear elements from the system. By using a passive coupling structure instead, the invention eliminates the source of unwanted emissions and noise while maintaining the ability to switch between internal and external antennas.
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 allows for efficient signal transfer between internal and external antennas without altering the radio path, eliminating the need for electronic switches and ensuring reliable communication, even in challenging environments like smart water meters, with minimal signal loss and no mechanical chatter.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna being adapted to operate alone to radiate a radio signal
Implementation Method 2
the coupler comprising a metallic area complementary to the non-metallic area opposite... so that the coupler recovers the signal radiated by the antenna
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1e
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna (A) of a communicating device, comprising a substrate (100), an antenna feed point (E) and a first grounding point (GND#1) intended to be connected to a ground plane; a metallic antenna pattern (101) printed on one face (102) of the substrate, the antenna pattern (101) forming an open loop from the feed point (E) to the first grounding point (GND#1), the loop defining in its center a non-metallic area (103); the antenna (A) being adapted to operate alone to radiate a radio signal or in association with a coupler (C) disposed opposite and at a distance from the antenna (A) so as to recover the signal radiated by the antenna (A), the coupler (C) comprising a metallic area (203) complementary to the non-metallic area (103) opposite.