Satellite Diversity Antenna System with Adjustable Elevation Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite diversity antenna systems for vehicles face challenges in achieving higher gains for satellite signal reception while maintaining vehicle aesthetics and simplicity in design and installation, particularly for satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) operating in the 2320-2345 MHz frequency band.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna system employs two patch antennas with adjustable elevation angles and a ground plane, optimized for maximum gain, which can be fixed or adjustable, and incorporates diversity switching electronics to enhance signal reception and reduce design complexities, maintaining a visually appealing 'hidden antenna' design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SDARS patch antennas are mounted on the vehicle exterior (roof) to achieve proper reception, then signal reception is improved, but vehicle aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within a radome that is integrated into the vehicle body, concealing the antenna structure while maintaining reception functionality. The radome acts as a protective cover that hides the antenna elements from external view, allowing the antenna to be 'hidden' within the vehicle structure rather than mounted externally.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are positioned at different locations with phase array summation to achieve higher gains, then antenna performance is improved, but design and installation complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are combined within a single integrated module structure, sharing common support, grounding, and control systems. This merging approach achieves the performance benefits of multiple antennas while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate antenna installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into modular elements that can be independently optimized but are integrated into a unified structure. Each antenna element within the module can be independently positioned and tuned, allowing performance optimization without requiring complex external installation of multiple separate antenna systems.
3Reliability
If two or more antennas are positioned at different locations in a switched diversity application, then signal reception reliability is improved, but gain of the received satellite signal is not increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are combined with their outputs fed to a common receiver through a diversity switch. This merging of multiple antenna paths allows the system to achieve both diversity reliability and signal gain by combining the electromagnetic energy from multiple elements while maintaining the ability to switch between them.
4Shape
If hidden antenna application is used to maintain vehicle aesthetics, then vehicle appearance is improved, but reception performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within a radome integrated into the vehicle body surface, concealing them from external view. The radome is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and blend with the vehicle appearance while providing the necessary electromagnetic transparency for signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The radome material and structure are specifically designed with local electromagnetic properties that allow satellite signal penetration while maintaining aesthetic appearance from external viewing angles. The local quality of the radome material enables it to be transparent to satellite frequencies while appearing solid and aesthetic from ground level.
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 configuration increases average and minimum gain values by more than 2.0dB over conventional designs, providing improved satellite signal reception while maintaining vehicle aesthetics and simplifying installation, and can be adjusted for optimal performance across different geographic locations.
Implementation Method 1
antennas that receive and process signals other than traditional AM/FM signals, such as, for example, satellite signals
Implementation Method 2
two patch antennas with adjustable elevation angles and a ground plane, optimized for maximum gain
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A satellite antenna module (12a-12c) is disclosed. The satellite antenna module (12a-12c)includes at least one antenna element (14a-14c, 16a-16c) disposed on a ground plane (18a-18c). The ground plane (18a-18c) is capacitivly coupled to a vehicle surface (22a-22c). The ground plane (18a-18c) is disposed over the vehicle surface (22a-22c) at an elevation angle (θ1-θ4, Δ1, Δ2) that achieves a higher gain of the at least one antenna element (14a-14c, 16a-16c).