Miniature Patch Antenna Using Negative Permeability Meta-material
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized antennas for small, low-power devices face efficiency and bandwidth degradation issues due to their size being smaller than the operating wavelength, which affects power consumption and battery life in applications like hearing aids and SRDs.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design utilizing a meta-material with negative magnetic permeability or permittivity as an intermediate layer between the patch and ground plane, allowing for smaller dimensions and improved radiation efficiency by supporting cavity resonance and extending electromagnetic fields beyond the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced for small portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the radiation efficiency and bandwidth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the intermediate material by using meta-material with negative permeability and/or permittivity. This parameter change enables the antenna to achieve resonant conditions at much smaller dimensions while maintaining radiation efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between size reduction and efficiency maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a patch, an intermediate meta-material layer, and a ground plane. This composite material approach combines conventional conductive materials with meta-material having negative electromagnetic parameters, enabling the antenna to overcome the fundamental limitations of size scaling while preserving radiation efficiency
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced for small portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the bandwidth becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the electromagnetic parameters of the intermediate material to negative values, the patent achieves resonant conditions that support broader frequency operation in miniaturized structures. The negative parameter meta-material enables the small antenna to maintain adaptability across the desired frequency range despite reduced dimensions
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced for small portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the intermediate material to negative values, enabling resonant conditions that improve radiation efficiency. This efficiency improvement reduces the power needed to achieve the same radiated power level, thus resolving the contradiction between size reduction and power consumption
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 electromagnetic radiation in small size-critical applications, such as hearing aids, by optimizing antenna performance, reducing power consumption, and extending battery life while maintaining good radiation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of a normal dielectric material and a meta-material as substrate between the patch and the ground plane can support a cavity resonance with a frequency which is much lower than what can be expected from a conventional design
Implementation Method 2
the meta-material sets up means to fulfil the resonant boundary conditions within small dimensions, and allows the electromagnetic fields to extend outside the structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a patch antenna for a small size, low-power device adapted for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic radiation in a predefined frequency range. The invention further relates to a method of driving a patch antenna and to the use of a patch antenna. The object of the present invention is to provide a patch antenna suitable for a small size, low power device. The problem is solved in that the antenna comprises at least one patch comprising an electrically conductive material and having an upper and lower face, the at least one patch being supported on its lower face by an intermediate material comprising a material having a negative magnetic permeability and/or a negative electrical permittivity, at least over a part of the predefined frequency range. The present invention provides an alternative scheme for manufacturing a patch antenna for a small size, low power device. The invention may e.g. be used for establishing a wireless interface in a portable communication device.