Open Loop Ground Plane Antenna for Compact Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna structures for wireless devices are limited by the size of the ground plane, which restricts the miniaturization of these devices and affects their design, particularly in compact applications where space is a critical factor.
Innovation Solution
The use of an open-loop ground plane design allows for a compact shape while maintaining an electrically relevant length, enabling efficient electromagnetic coupling with the antenna element, and can be integrated into various wireless devices such as wristwatches and light switches, using flexible or rigid conductive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ground plane is used, then the antenna element can achieve proper electromagnetic coupling and radiation performance, but the physical size of the wireless device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is folded back underneath itself to create a nested configuration where portions of the ground plane are positioned above and below the antenna element. This nesting allows the ground plane to achieve its required electrical length while occupying minimal vertical space, enabling proper electromagnetic coupling without increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane transitions from a traditional planar configuration to a three-dimensional folded structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension and folding the ground plane underneath itself, the design achieves the necessary electrical length for proper antenna coupling while minimizing the horizontal footprint and overall device size.
2Reliability
If the ground plane is extended to achieve proper electrical length, then antenna coupling improves, but the area occupied by the ground plane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is folded back underneath itself to create a nested configuration where portions of the ground plane are positioned above and below the antenna element. This nesting allows the ground plane to achieve its required electrical length while occupying minimal vertical space, enabling proper electromagnetic coupling without increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane transitions from a traditional planar configuration to a three-dimensional folded structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension and folding the ground plane underneath itself, the design achieves the necessary electrical length for proper antenna coupling while minimizing the horizontal footprint and overall device size.
3Volume of moving object
If the ground plane is folded to reduce size, then device miniaturization is achieved, but the electrical length of the ground plane may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is folded back underneath itself to create a nested configuration where portions of the ground plane are positioned above and below the antenna element. This nesting allows the ground plane to achieve its required electrical length while occupying minimal vertical space, enabling proper electromagnetic coupling without increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane transitions from a traditional planar configuration to a three-dimensional folded structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension and folding the ground plane underneath itself, the design achieves the necessary electrical length for proper antenna coupling while minimizing the horizontal footprint and overall device size.
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 design enables the creation of smaller wireless devices with improved antenna efficiency and flexibility, accommodating diverse applications by reducing physical size without compromising radiation performance.
Implementation Method 1
By feeding electric signals to the antenna element, electric fields extend between portions of the antenna element and of the ground plane which leads to radiation of the antenna element
Implementation Method 2
The use of an open-loop ground plane design allows for a compact shape while maintaining an electrically relevant length, enabling efficient electromagnetic coupling with the antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
This invention refers to an antenna structure for a wireless device comprising a ground plane and an antenna element, wherein the ground plane has the shape of an open loop. The invention further refers to an antenna structure for a wireless device, such as a light switch or a wristsensor or wristwatch, comprising an open loop ground plane having a first end portion and a second end portion, the open loop ground plane defining an opening between the first end portion and the second end portion;and an antenna component positioned within the opening defined between the first end portion and the second end portion and overlapping at least one of the first end portion or the second end portion. Further the invention refers to a corresponding wireless device and to a method for integrating such an antenna structure in a wireless device.