Parasitic Antenna Element Layout for Broad Zenith Beamwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems struggle to achieve broad beamwidth with hemispheric coverage centered about the zenith, high gain near the horizon, and low gain below the horizon without significant gain loss, while maintaining a low physical profile and avoiding additional loading components.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system with a ground plane and parasitic elements extending from it, optimized in length, pitch angle, and distance to broaden the beamwidth, achieve circular polarization, and enhance gain distribution without additional loading circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an antenna element with a large height dimension is employed to provide broad beamwidth, then the beamwidth is broadened, but the physical profile becomes too large for low-profile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical dimension (height) to horizontal dimension by arranging parasitic elements in a planar configuration around the antenna element. Multiple parasitic elements are positioned at different azimuthal angles and distances from the antenna element, creating broad beamwidth through horizontal spatial distribution rather than vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple discrete parasitic elements (typically 4-8 elements) arranged around a central antenna element. Each parasitic element is individually positioned at specific azimuthal angles and distances, allowing the beamwidth to be broadened through the collective effect of segmented elements rather than a single large element.
2Shape
If resistors, capacitors, and/or inductors are used to create a loading circuit to broaden beamwidth, then the beamwidth is broadened, but the device complexity and volume increase due to additional loading components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the loading circuit components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) from the antenna system entirely. Instead of using electrical loading to broaden beamwidth, the invention uses purely geometric arrangements of parasitic elements, extracting the complex electrical loading subsystem and replacing it with a simple structural configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical loading system (electrical components and circuits) with a mechanical/structural system consisting of parasitic elements positioned in specific geometric arrangements. The beamwidth control is achieved through physical positioning rather than electrical impedance manipulation.
3Shape
If known antenna systems are used to broaden beamwidth by small degrees, then the beamwidth is slightly improved, but the volume and additional loading components remain large
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they broaden the beamwidth, control the radiation pattern shape, and eliminate the need for separate loading components. This multi-functionality achieves significant beamwidth broadening without requiring additional volumetric space for loading circuits.
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 system produces a radiation pattern with a broad beamwidth of 150°-160° and increased gain near the horizon by approximately 2dB, maintaining low gain below the horizon, while reducing height and eliminating the need for additional loading components.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna disposed on a top side of the ground plane and configured to produce a radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of parasitic elements connected to and extending from the top side of the ground plane... each of the plurality of parasitic elements is positioned at a uniform distance from a center of the antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An antenna system is provided that can include a plurality of parasitic elements connected to and extending from a ground plane, wherein each of the plurality of parasitic elements can be oriented at a common pitch angle, wherein each of the plurality of parasitic elements can be positioned at a uniform distance from a center of an antenna disposed on the ground plane, and wherein a respective length of each of the plurality of parasitic elements, the common pitch angle, and/or the uniform distance can be optimized so as to broaden a beamwidth of a radiation pattern produced by the antenna.