Orthogonal Wearable Antenna Array for Omnidirectional Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable antennas face challenges such as Ohmic losses due to the human body, reduced effective range due to small form factor, and varying signal strength with orientation, making existing unidirectional and single-polarity antennas unsuitable for wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
A wearable antenna array with a combination of monopole and loop antennas arranged orthogonally on a substrate, utilizing a ground plane for shielding and constructive interference, and configured as a phased array to provide omni-directional radiation in multiple polarizations, enhancing communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna form factor is reduced to ensure user comfort in wearable devices, then the antenna size is minimized, but the radiation efficiency and effective range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple small antenna elements (first plurality and second plurality of antennas) arranged in an array configuration. By segmenting the radiation function across multiple small elements rather than using a single large antenna, the system achieves omni-directional coverage and maintained radiation efficiency while keeping each individual antenna element small enough for wearable comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane antenna configuration to a three-dimensional array structure with antennas oriented in multiple directions (first plurality with first axial orientations, second plurality with second axial orientations). This dimensional expansion allows small antenna elements to collectively achieve omnidirectional radiation patterns and improved efficiency that a single small antenna cannot provide.
2Device complexity
If unidirectional and single polarity antennas are used, then the antenna structure is simple, but the signal strength varies with orientation to the wireless terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional antenna array where the first plurality of antennas and second plurality of antennas serve multiple purposes simultaneously: providing omni-directional coverage, supporting multiple polarizations, and maintaining signal strength across all orientations. This universal design replaces the need for multiple separate antennas or complex switching mechanisms, achieving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic antenna system that adapts to changing orientations as the user moves. By configuring antennas with different axial orientations and polarizations, the system dynamically maintains optimal signal strength regardless of the relative orientation between the wearable device and the wireless terminal, unlike static unidirectional antennas.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna is placed near the human body in wearable devices, then the device is compact and wearable, but Ohmic losses increase as electromagnetic energy is absorbed as heat by the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation function across multiple antenna elements with different orientations and polarizations. This segmentation diversifies the radiation paths and reduces the concentration of electromagnetic energy near the body, thereby reducing Ohmic losses and heat absorption while maintaining the compact wearable form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite antenna system combining multiple antenna types (first plurality with first polarization, second plurality with second polarization) with different orientations. This composite structure creates more efficient radiation patterns that reduce energy absorption by the body, addressing the Ohmic loss problem while maintaining compactness.
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 antenna array achieves improved wireless communication by minimizing Ohmic losses, maintaining signal strength across orientations, and extending the effective range, making it suitable for wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first plurality of antennas and the second plurality of antennas generate omni-directional electro-magnetic (EM) radiation in at least two different polarizations
Implementation Method 2
A ground plane is also used to shield the antenna array from a user's body
Implementation Method 3
configured as a phased array to provide omni-directional radiation in multiple polarizations, enhancing communication efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array and a system including the antenna array are provided for implementing wireless communication in a wearable device. The antenna array includes a first plurality of antennas integrated with an antenna substrate and a second plurality of antennas integrated with the antenna substrate. Each antenna in the first plurality of antennas is disposed perpendicular to a ground plane, and each antenna in the second plurality of antennas is disposed parallel to the ground plane. The first plurality of antennas and the second plurality of antennas generate omni-directional electro-magnetic (EM) radiation in at least two different polarizations, which makes the antenna array suitable for wearable applications.