Patch Antenna RF Circuit Layout for Compact Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna devices require space inside the patch antenna for installing RF circuits, leading to increased device size.

Innovation Solution

The antenna device is configured such that the RF circuit is provided on the surface of the patch conductor and surrounded by GND pins, eliminating the need for internal installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If components of RF circuit are installed inside an antenna unit, then the antenna device can be integrated, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of RF circuitVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional internal mounting approach to a two-dimensional surface mounting approach. The RF circuit components are mounted on the surface of the patch conductor rather than inside the antenna unit, effectively utilizing the surface dimension to accommodate components without increasing the internal volume requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the RF circuit components directly on the patch conductor surface, which itself is part of the antenna structure. The GND conductor is positioned to face the patch conductor with RF components, creating a nested configuration where multiple functional elements occupy overlapping spatial regions without interfering with each other's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If patch conductor and GND conductor are made larger to accommodate RF circuit, then RF circuit installation is enabled, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF circuit installationVSAvoidconductor area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the RF circuit installation from a volume-based internal space requirement to a surface-based mounting approach. By mounting components on the patch conductor surface, the design utilizes the available surface area without requiring expansion of the conductor's fundamental dimensions, thereby maintaining compact overall device size while enabling RF circuit installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If RF circuit is mounted on patch conductor surface surrounded by GND pins, then device size is reduced, but shielding effectiveness must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidshielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning GND pins specifically around the RF circuit mounting area on the patch conductor surface. This localized grounding arrangement provides electromagnetic shielding and reference potential exactly where needed - around the RF components - without requiring a complete enclosure or extensive grounding structure, thus maintaining shielding effectiveness while preserving device compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The GND pins serve as intermediary elements between the RF circuit components mounted on the patch conductor and the GND conductor. These pins provide both electrical connection and electromagnetic shielding, acting as mediators that protect the RF components from external interference while maintaining the compact surface-mount configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4243201B1Antenna device
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4243201B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4243201B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4243201B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An antenna device (100) includes: a patch conductor (30) provided on a substrate (10); a GND conductor (20) provided in the substrate (10) in such a manner as to face the patch conductor (30); GND pins (21) that are provided in the substrate (10) and that connect the patch conductor (30) and the GND conductor (20); and an RF circuit (40) provided on a first face of the patch conductor (30) opposite to a second face of the patch conductor (30), the second face being attached to the substrate (10), the RF circuit (40) being provided in such a manner as to be surrounded by the GND pins (21).