Patch Antenna Structure for Wide-Beam Omnidirectional Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antennas have limited beam width, requiring multiple antennas for omnidirectional coverage, which increases complexity and cost due to structural modifications that enhance beam width at the expense of profile and manufacturing difficulty.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design featuring strip-shaped metal structures passing through stacked insulating substrates, with metal sheets bent to constrain electromagnetic waves, allowing for a wide beam width and reduced profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the beam width is increased by bending the radiating patch itself, then the beam width is improved, but the profile of the antenna increases and the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the antenna structure into separate functional components: the radiating patch remains planar and simple, while the beam width control is achieved through independently positioned reflector elements and strip-shaped metal structures. This segmentation allows the radiating patch to maintain its simple geometry while achieving wide beam width through the coordinated arrangement of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the radiating patch in the horizontal plane to increase beam width, the invention introduces vertical dimensionality by positioning reflector elements and metal structures at different heights and depths. The strip-shaped metal structures extend through the substrate thickness, creating a three-dimensional electromagnetic environment that widens the beam without complicating the patch geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more patch antennas are used to form an omnidirectional antenna array, then the network coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enhances the local radiation characteristics of each antenna element by incorporating strip-shaped metal structures and reflector elements that create favorable electromagnetic conditions in specific directions. This local optimization allows each antenna to contribute more effectively to omnidirectional coverage, reducing the total number of elements needed in the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The strip-shaped metal structures are positioned asymmetrically relative to the radiating patch, with different configurations on opposite sides. This asymmetric arrangement creates directional beam shaping that, when combined with other asymmetric elements in the array, achieves omnidirectional coverage with fewer elements than would be required with symmetric configurations.
3Shape
If the radiating patch is bent to increase beam width, then the beam width is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the beam width control function from the radiating patch structure itself. The patch remains a simple planar element that is easy to manufacture, while the beam shaping is achieved through independently fabricated strip-shaped metal structures and reflector elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled, avoiding the need to bend or complexly shape the patch itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the geometric shape of the radiating patch through bending, the invention achieves beam width control by changing the electromagnetic parameters of the surrounding environment - specifically by introducing conductive strip structures and reflector elements with specific dimensions, positions, and orientations that modify the electromagnetic field distribution to produce wider beams.
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 achieves a beam width of up to 132.4 degrees, reducing the number of antennas needed for omnidirectional coverage and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining a low profile.
Implementation Method 1
metal sheets attached to two strip-shaped metal structures that are farthest apart from each other among the at least two strip-shaped metal structures at the first side are bent toward each other, metal sheets attached to two strip-shaped metal structures that are farthest apart from each other among the at least two strip-shaped metal structures at the second side are bent toward each other as well, and a bent metal sheet forms an angle greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than 90degrees with the second surface of the second insulating medium substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a patch antenna including stacked first and second insulating medium substrates, and a radiating patch is provided on the second insulating medium substrate. The patch antenna further includes a plurality of strip-shaped metal structures, each passing through the first and second insulating medium substrates, a first end thereof being electrically connected with the metal layer and a second end thereof being attached to a metal sheet. At least two strip-shaped metal structures are located at a first side of the radiating patch, and at least two strip-shaped metal structures are located at an opposite second side. Metal sheets attached to two strip-shaped metal structures that are farthest apart from each other and located at a same side are bent toward each other. Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to an omnidirectional antenna array and a coplanar radiating antenna array including the patch antenna.