Reconfigurable MIMO Antenna Triangular Substrate Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle-mounted MIMO antennas face challenges in providing adequate isolation between radiators due to space constraints, especially for 4G LTE systems, which require high isolation and support multiple frequency bands, making it difficult to integrate them into compact designs like 'shark-fin' antennas.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable MIMO antenna design featuring a balanced and unbalanced antenna mounted on a substantially triangular substrate, allowing for high isolation and frequency coverage, with the unbalanced antenna extending perpendicularly or parallel to the substrate, and utilizing matching circuits with variable capacitors to tune frequencies across multiple bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radiators are gathered in a portable device, then MIMO capability is achieved, but adequate isolation between each radiator cannot be provided due to small allocated space

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO capabilityVSAvoidisolation between radiators
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions both balanced and unbalanced antennas at the same end of the substrate, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement and angular orientation (e.g., perpendicular or parallel extensions) to achieve adequate isolation between radiators within a compact footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between MIMO capability and radiator isolation in space-constrained vehicle mounting applications

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

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional roof-mounted antenna designs are used, then integration is simple, but adequate isolation of at least 20 dB between operating bands cannot be achieved for 4G LTE systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration into roof antennaVSAvoidisolation between operating bands
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different antenna types (balanced and unbalanced) with distinct radiation patterns and impedance characteristics at the same end of the substrate, creating local electromagnetic field distribution differences that achieve the required 20 dB isolation between operating bands while maintaining compatibility with conventional roof-mounted antenna housings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If shark-fin or conformal planar roof mounted antenna shapes are used, then aesthetic and space requirements are met, but isolation between antennas is insufficient for MIMO operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna form factorVSAvoidisolation for MIMO
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical and angular dimensions by extending the unbalanced antenna perpendicularly or parallel to the substrate plane, creating three-dimensional separation between the balanced and unbalanced antennas. This dimensional approach maintains the compact shark-fin or conformal planar shape while achieving sufficient isolation for MIMO operation

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

4Reliability

If two separate areas are used to locate each antenna, then adequate isolation is provided, but integration into compact housing becomes impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation between antennasVSAvoidintegration into housing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges both balanced and unbalanced antennas into a single integrated structure mounted at the same end of one substrate, eliminating the need for separate housing areas. The antennas share common mounting infrastructure while maintaining electromagnetic isolation through their distinct configurations and orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2917961B1Reconfigurable MIMO antenna for vehicles
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 THE UNIV OF BIRMINGHAM
  • EP2917961B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP2917961B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2917961B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses are configurable MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) antenna for vehicles. The antenna comprises a balanced antenna and an unbalanced antenna mounted on a supporting substrate. Both the balanced antenna and the unbalanced antenna are located towards the same end of the substrate and the substrate comprises a substantially triangular planar element.