Microstrip Patch Antenna Array With Parasitic Patches for Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microstrip patch antenna arrays have limited bandwidth and are inflexible due to their thickness, which restricts their ability to fit into compact spaces and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A microstrip antenna array design featuring a thin substrate with two or more radiating patches and one or more parasitic patches positioned between them, aligned along a common longitudinal axis, which increases bandwidth by up to 50% and allows for greater structural flexibility and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional microstrip patch antenna array is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bandwidth is limited and the structural flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into radiating patches and parasitic patches, where each patch is a separate conductive element on the substrate. This segmentation allows the parasitic patches to be independently positioned between radiating patches to extend bandwidth without requiring complex internal structures within each patch element
Solution Approach 2:
Parasitic patches are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between the radiating patches. These parasitic patches couple electromagnetically with the radiating patches to extend the impedance bandwidth, acting as mediators that enhance performance without requiring direct electrical connection or complex feeding networks
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thick substrate is used for the antenna array, then the manufacturing is more robust, but the structural flexibility is reduced and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin substrate that provides sufficient mechanical support while enabling structural flexibility. The thin substrate can be bent or conform to curved surfaces, allowing the antenna array to be integrated into applications with space constraints or non-planar mounting surfaces, while the distributed patch structure maintains electrical performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate thickness is reduced for better flexibility, then the structural flexibility increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the substrate thickness parameter to achieve a balance between flexibility and manufacturability. By carefully selecting the thickness within a specific range, the design achieves sufficient flexibility for conformal mounting while remaining compatible with standard PCB manufacturing processes and tolerances
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 design enhances bandwidth by up to 50% and provides increased structural flexibility and reduced manufacturing costs, enabling the antenna array to be formed around rounded objects and fit into spaces that thicker substrates cannot conform to, while maintaining minimal gain reduction.
Implementation Method 1
one or more parasitic patches placed on the first side of the substrate, wherein there is at least one fewer parasitic patches than there are radiating patches
Data Source
AI summary
A microstrip antenna array including: a thin substrate; two or more microstrip radiating patches placed on a first side of the substrate, each radiating patch including: an input port; a radiating patch width (WRP) extending in a longitudinal direction; a radiating patch length (LRP) extending in a transverse direction, wherein the transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein the longitudinal and transverse directions are in the plane of the radiating patch; a radiating patch transverse axis (TRP) along the midpoint of the radiating patch width; and a radiating patch longitudinal axis along the midpoint of the radiating patch length, wherein the two or more radiating patches are spaced in the longitudinal direction such that the radiating patch longitudinal axis of each radiating patch is aligned along a common longitudinal axis (C); and one or more parasitic patches placed on the first side of the substrate.