PCB Antenna Asymmetry for Wireless Appliance Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with wireless communication capabilities face challenges in achieving compact, low-cost antenna designs that maintain optimal propagation performance and radiation patterns, particularly due to size constraints and interference from surrounding obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication network adapter with an integrated antenna on a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a radiating unit, ground plane, and non-equal auxiliary arms, optimized for improved impedance matching and double polarization, enhancing communication quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced to meet compact design requirements, then the antenna can be integrated into the PCB, but the propagation performance is degraded due to surrounding obstacles and walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the radiating unit with non-equal auxiliary arms extending perpendicular to the feeding line. The first auxiliary arm has a different length than the second auxiliary arm, creating an asymmetric structure that optimizes radiation patterns and impedance matching while maintaining compact PCB integration. This asymmetric design allows the antenna to achieve better propagation performance despite the size constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If a compact PCB-integrated antenna is used, then cost and size are reduced, but the radiation pattern and impedance matching become difficult to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different structural characteristics in different parts of the radiating unit. The auxiliary arms have different lengths and configurations, allowing each part to contribute differently to the overall radiation pattern and impedance matching. This localized optimization enables precise control of electromagnetic characteristics while maintaining a compact, low-cost PCB-integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the lengths and dimensions of the auxiliary arms relative to the feeding line. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the antenna achieves optimal impedance matching and radiation characteristics for PCB integration. The specific dimensional relationships between the feeding line and auxiliary arms are optimized to compensate for the constraints of compact PCB mounting.
3Device complexity
If the antenna is made compact for PCB integration, then device complexity is reduced, but the radiation efficiency and maximum gain are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the antenna structure directly into the PCB circuit board. The radiating unit is formed as part of the PCB trace structure, combining the antenna function with the existing circuit board infrastructure. This integration reduces device complexity and eliminates the need for separate antenna components while maintaining acceptable radiation efficiency through optimized trace geometry.
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 provides a compact, low-cost antenna with improved propagation performance and radiation characteristics, achieving an omnidirectional radiation pattern with maximum gain and high efficiency, supporting the 802.11 frequency range and enabling reliable remote control and monitoring of household appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna has a radiating unit and a ground plane such that the radiating unit's feeding line is configured to extend linearly so as to divide in non-equal portions unilinear auxiliary arms extending in perpendicular to the feeding line
Implementation Method 2
The ground plane has a first and a second portion with linear edges extending perpendicular to each other but respectively in parallel with the auxiliary arms and the feeding line
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance which can be remotely controlled by way of remotely connecting in a wireless communication network. The present invention more particularly relates to a household appliance with a network communication adapter improved in terms of its technical parameters. A household appliance is disclosed, comprising a wireless communication network adapter with an embedded planar antenna in the form of conductor lines integrated into a printed circuit board, the antenna comprising a radiating unit and a ground plane.