Satellite Accessory Antenna Layout for Mobile Signal Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices struggle with sub-optimal satellite communication due to antennas being multi-purpose and confined within the form factor, leading to signal loss and performance degradation, especially in remote areas with no cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic accessory with dedicated, anisotropic antennas optimized for satellite communication, positioned for line-of-sight transmission, reducing signal loss and enhancing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antennas are disposed within the mobile device form factor, then device portability is improved, but satellite communication performance deteriorates due to signal loss and sub-optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a mobile device and a remote accessory. The satellite communication antenna is segmented from the mobile device and placed in a separate accessory that can be positioned independently to optimize satellite signal reception while the mobile device maintains its portable form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote accessory acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the satellite. This intermediary contains the dedicated satellite antenna and communicates with both the satellite and the mobile device, enabling improved satellite communication performance without compromising mobile device portability.
2Device complexity
If multi-purpose antennas are used in mobile devices, then device complexity is reduced, but communication throughput deteriorates due to lack of optimization for dedicated frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The remote accessory contains a dedicated antenna specifically designed and optimized for satellite communication frequency bands. This local optimization of antenna characteristics at the appropriate location enables high-throughput satellite communication while the mobile device maintains its general-purpose multi-frequency antennas for cellular and other communications.
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
Improves satellite communication performance by 5-10 dB, enabling high-throughput links for voice, video, and text transmission without requiring user-cooperation.
Implementation Method 1
The multiple antenna elements configured to (i) radiate the first radio signals and (ii) receive the second radio signals from the satellite
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a portable electronic accessory. The accessory has a body and a housing covering configured to attach to a portion of a human body or another external apparatus. The housing includes a satellite modem for (i) converting digital data received from a mobile device into first radio signals for transmission to a satellite, and (ii) converting second radio signals received from the satellite into digital data for the mobile device. The first and second radio signals are within a corresponding frequency band of the satellite. A wireless communication module supports two-way communications with the mobile device. A power source powers the satellite modem and the wireless communication module. Multiple antenna elements are coupled to the satellite modem that (i) radiate the first radio signals and (ii) receive the second radio signals. The multiple antenna elements each have a radiating surface facing an external face of the housing.