Screen Printed Multi-Element Antenna

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for cheap, quickly manufactured, large, and mechanically flexible phased-array antennas that can provide a wide range of capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A phased array antenna is constructed using a plurality of antenna modules with radiating elements printed on a fabric substrate through screen-printing or inkjet printing, each module having a signal input port for independent amplitude and phase control, and optionally featuring dual polarization and a ground plane for enhanced flexibility and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional antenna manufacturing methods are used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and production time lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna manufacturing precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by using screen-printing and inkjet printing processes instead of traditional methods, enabling cost-effective and quick production of large phased-array antennas while maintaining functional performance through controlled printing parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses printing processes to create radiating elements on fabric substrates, essentially copying the antenna pattern through printed conductive material rather than using traditional metal fabrication methods, reducing cost and manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Strength

If rigid antenna structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but mechanical flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structural strengthVSAvoidmechanical flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements flexible antenna structures by printing radiating elements directly on fabric substrates, creating thin and flexible antenna sheets that can conform to curved surfaces and withstand mechanical deformation while maintaining electrical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction by combining printed conductive material layers with fabric substrate and optional protective encapsulation layers, creating a multi-layer composite structure that provides both mechanical flexibility and electrical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If simple antenna designs are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but functional capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna design complexityVSAvoidantenna capability range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna modules or elements that can be individually printed and controlled, enabling phased array functionality with independent amplitude and phase control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal antenna modules with standardized printed structures that can be configured for different polarizations and arrangements, allowing a single basic design to provide multiple functional capabilities including dual polarization and various beam forming patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cost-effective, flexible phased-array antenna system that can be easily manufactured and adapted to various shapes, offering multiple polarization options and efficient signal control, suitable for applications like avionics and wearable devices.

Implementation Method 1

Each antenna module includes a radiating element... so that an electromagnetic signal can be applied to said radiating element... Such antenna may be used for transmission and receiving of data, and for transmission of power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260081362A1Screen Printed Multi-Element Antenna

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 ISRAEL AEROSPACE IND LTD

AI summary

A phased array antenna comprising a plurality of antenna modules, each antenna module comprising a radiating element made of an electrically conductive material printed on a fabric substrate by a screen-printing process and/or an inkjet printing process; and, a signal input port comprising at least one probe electrically coupled to said radiating element, said probe being configured to be coupled to a corresponding transceiver module so that an amplitude and phase of each of said radiating elements can be independently controlled. Further, a method for manufacturing the phased array antenna, comprising: printing an electrically conductive material on a fabric substrate by a screen-printing process and/or an inkjet printing process, so as to form said radiating element for each of the antenna modules; and for each of the antenna modules, electrically coupling said radiating element to said signal input port, thereby assembling the plurality of antenna modules.