Patch Antenna Array Ground Layout for Mutual Coupling Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the electromagnetic wave scheme for wireless power transmission, mutual coupling between patch antennas degrades overall antenna performance, and traditional methods to isolate them, such as increasing the distance between antennas, result in a larger transmitter size.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array structure is implemented with a dielectric substrate and a ground layer that includes sub-ground layers to prevent wave propagation between patch antennas, using a recess under the dielectric to create a waveguide with infinite impedance, thereby isolating the antennas and maintaining high performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between patch antennas is increased to isolate them from each other, then mutual coupling between antennas is reduced, but the total size of the wireless power transmitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground layer with sub-ground layers positioned at different depths (vertical dimension) between the patch antennas. Specifically, a first sub-ground layer is positioned at a first distance from a first patch antenna, and a second sub-ground layer is positioned at a second distance from a second patch antenna, where the first distance is greater than the second distance. This vertical arrangement creates electromagnetic isolation without requiring increased horizontal spacing between antennas, thus reducing mutual coupling while maintaining compact transmitter size.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground layer with sub-ground layers acts as an intermediary structure between the patch antennas. The sub-ground layers are positioned to block electromagnetic wave propagation paths between adjacent antennas, serving as a mediating element that prevents direct coupling. This intermediary ground structure absorbs or reflects electromagnetic energy, isolating the antennas from each other without requiring them to be physically farther apart.
2Volume of moving object
If patch antennas are placed closer together to reduce transmitter size, then the overall device size is reduced, but mutual coupling between antennas degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the performance degradation issue by transitioning from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement. Multiple sub-ground layers are positioned at different vertical distances from the patch antennas, creating electromagnetic isolation barriers in the vertical dimension. This allows antennas to be placed closer horizontally (reducing size) while maintaining performance through vertical isolation layers that block coupling paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground layer is segmented into multiple sub-ground layers (first sub-ground layer, second sub-ground layer, etc.) positioned at different depths and distances from different patch antennas. This segmentation creates multiple isolation zones between antennas, with each sub-ground layer contributing to blocking electromagnetic coupling. The segmented structure provides more effective isolation than a single ground layer, maintaining antenna performance in compact configurations.
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
This structure effectively prevents mutual coupling between patch antennas, maintaining high overall antenna performance and allowing for efficient wireless power transmission while reducing the size of the wireless power transmitter.
Implementation Method 1
a ground layer including a first sub-ground layer contacting a bottom of the first area of the dielectric, a third sub-ground layer contacting a bottom of the second area of the dielectric, and a second sub-ground layer distanced from a bottom between the first area and the second area
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, an antenna array may comprise a dielectric; a first patch antenna disposed on a first region of the dielectric; a second patch antenna disposed on a second region of the dielectric; and a ground layer including a first sub-ground layer in contact with a lower portion of the first region of the dielectric, a third sub-ground layer in contact with a lower portion of the second region of the dielectric, and a second sub-ground layer spaced apart from a lower portion between the first region and the second region of the dielectric.