PIFA Antenna Mounting via Ground Element Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting methods for planar inverted F antennas (PIFAs) in interactive services modules (ISMs) using tape or adhesive can lead to signal interference due to trapped contaminants and limited durability, causing the antenna to move relative to the support structure, which affects signal transfer and durability.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system where a planar inverted F antenna is secured to a support structure using a ground element with holes and perpendicular tabs, where the tabs are inserted into the holes and bent to restrict movement, ensuring direct contact and improved signal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tape or adhesive is used to mount the antenna to the support structure, then the mounting process is simple, but contaminants become trapped between the antenna and support structure affecting signal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive/tape layer from the mounting system, extracting the source of contaminant entrapment. The antenna is mounted directly to the support structure through holes using mechanical fastening, eliminating the intermediate adhesive layer that traps contaminants and degrades signal transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete components: the support structure with holes, the antenna with corresponding holes, and separate fastening elements. This segmentation allows for direct contact between mounting surfaces without adhesive, preventing contaminant entrapment while maintaining simple assembly through aligned hole insertion.
2Ease of manufacture
If tape or adhesive is used to mount the antenna, then initial mounting is easy, but the durability is limited and the antenna may move relative to the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static adhesive bond to a dynamic mechanical fastening system where fasteners can be inserted and secured through holes. This provides progressive securing capability, allowing the antenna to be firmly attached while maintaining ease of initial positioning through aligned hole insertion before final fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fastening elements as intermediaries between the antenna and support structure. These fasteners pass through aligned holes in both components, creating a reliable mechanical connection that prevents antenna movement while maintaining simple assembly procedures through pre-aligned hole positions.
3Device complexity
If the antenna is mounted with adhesive, then the mounting process is simple, but contaminants are trapped affecting signal transfer between antenna and network device
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is completely extracted from the mounting system, eliminating the source of signal transfer interference. The antenna and support structure are connected through direct mechanical fastening via holes, ensuring no contaminants are trapped between the radiating element and the support structure, thereby maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes a porous/fastening-through approach where holes penetrate both the support structure and antenna, allowing mechanical fasteners to pass through and secure the connection. This creates open pathways that prevent contaminant entrapment while maintaining structural integrity and simple assembly.
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 solution enhances signal transfer and durability by preventing movement of the antenna relative to the support structure, improving radiation efficiency and simplifying the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
A PIFA is mounted to the surface of a support structure using tape or adhesive such that the PIFA is capacitively coupled to the exterior of the network device
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna (10) is provided including a generally rectangular ground element (20) having a first end and a second end. The ground element (20) includes at least one hole (30, 30′) for mounting the antenna to a support structure. A generally rectangular radiating element (12) having a third end and a fourth end if parallel to the ground element (20) and separated from the ground element (20) by a space. A bend connects the first end of the ground element (20) to the third end of the radiating element (12). A coaxial cable includes a center conductor coupled to the radiating element (12) at a feed point and an outer conductor coupled to the ground element (20). The coaxial cable acts as a feed line that couples the antenna (10) to an external transmitter or receiver.