Patch Antenna Array with Capacitive Coupling for Dual Reception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antenna arrays for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving dual reception capabilities for terrestrial and circularly polarized satellite signals while maintaining a simple construction and allowing for beamforming and directional adjustments to accommodate varying vehicle orientations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered patch antenna array design featuring an active patch electrode and a passive attachment patch with non-galvanic or capacitive connections, utilizing extended connection lines that create additional resonances to adjust the main beam direction and enhance radiation characteristics, allowing for dual reception and beamforming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layered patch antenna array with active and passive patch electrodes is used to achieve dual reception capabilities, then reception performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into functionally independent active and passive patch electrodes, each contributing to different reception modes. The active patch handles primary reception while the passive patch enables circular polarization reception, allowing dual functionality without requiring two separate antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive patch electrode serves multiple purposes: it enables circular polarization reception, contributes to beamforming capabilities, and works in conjunction with the active patch to provide dual reception modes (terrestrial and satellite signals) through a single integrated antenna structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extended connection lines are used to create additional resonances for beamforming, then directional control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection lines extend beyond the simple vertical connection between patches, creating resonant structures that add directional control capabilities. By extending connections in horizontal dimensions and creating meandering paths, the antenna achieves beamforming and null-steering capabilities without requiring additional active elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The length and configuration of connection lines are carefully designed to create specific resonant frequencies and impedance characteristics. By adjusting connection line dimensions and paths, the antenna achieves desired beam directions and radiation patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If non-galvanic or capacitive connections are used between active and passive patches, then dual reception performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitive coupling structures serve as intermediaries between the active and passive patches, providing the necessary electrical connection without direct galvanic contact. This approach maintains signal integrity for dual reception modes while reducing the risk of unwanted current paths and interference.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple patch antenna construction is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but directional adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates adjustable elements such as variable connection line configurations and reconfigurable passive patch structures that allow directional control and beamforming capabilities to be achieved through relatively simple structural modifications rather than complex multi-element arrays.
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 solution enables efficient dual reception of terrestrial and satellite signals, including GPS and SDARS, while allowing for directional adjustments to compensate for vehicle roof inclinations, thereby improving signal reception and reducing construction costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing extended connection lines that create additional resonances to adjust the main beam direction
Implementation Method 2
non-galvanic or capacitive connections
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an improved antenna arrangement which is characterized by the following features: a patch electrode (7) having a patch electrode surface (71) is provided above the dielectric (5) or on the upper face (5a) of the dielectric (5), said patch electrode (7) is fed via a feed line (11) that passes through the dielectric (5) and in doing so is led to a feed point (11a), which is galvanically or capacitively connected to the patch electrode (7). An electrically conductive top patch (23) having a top patch surface (23′) is provided at a distance (D) above the patch electrode (7), said patch electrode (7) and the top patch (23) are arranged perpendicularly to a central axis (Z) passing through the antenna arrangement, said antenna arrangement being formed as a left or right circular polarized antenna arrangement. The at least one electric connecting line (29) between the patch electrode (7) and the top patch (23) has at least line sections (29d) which are aligned transversely with respect to the central axis (Z).