Serpentine Monopole Antenna for Multi-Band Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of multi-mode mobile stations is hindered by the need for multiple antenna sizes to effectively transduce signal energy across disparate frequency bands, with existing antennas like PIFA exhibiting narrow bandwidths and increased dimensions when enhanced for broader frequency operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact multiband monopole antenna is designed with a tri-dimensional configuration, incorporating a wire monopole and multiple patches folded across a dielectric substrate, allowing operation across a wide range of frequencies while reducing spatial requirements through serpentine arrangement and matching elements for resonance at various frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is designed for multiple frequency bands, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the antenna dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional configuration by folding the monopole antenna and positioning patches at different spatial levels. This vertical stacking approach allows multiple frequency bands to be accommodated within a compact footprint, resolving the contradiction between broad frequency coverage and small antenna dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple functional patches are integrated within the folded monopole configuration. The patches are positioned at different folds and segments of the monopole, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables multi-band operation without proportionally increasing the overall antenna dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced for miniaturization, then the mobile station dimensions are improved, but the signal transduction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning patches with specific geometries at different locations along the folded monopole. Each patch is designed with dimensions and shapes optimized for specific frequency bands, ensuring that signal transduction efficiency is maintained at each operational frequency despite the overall miniaturization of the antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded monopole configuration creates multiple resonant paths and current distributions that can be dynamically excited at different frequencies. The folding structure allows the antenna to adapt its effective electrical length for different frequency bands, maintaining transduction efficiency across bands while keeping the physical dimensions compact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If patches are added to broaden frequency operation, then the frequency bandwidth is improved, but the spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by arranging patches in the vertical dimension through the folded monopole structure. Instead of spreading patches out in a planar configuration that would increase area, the patches are stacked at different folds and heights, broadening frequency bandwidth while maintaining a compact planar footprint suitable for mobile station integration.
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 antenna achieves efficient signal transduction across multiple frequency bands, facilitating increased miniaturization of mobile stations and reducing interference, enabling operation in a variety of communication systems worldwide.
Implementation Method 1
the first patch, defined in a first planar direction and contiguous and integral with the monopole, forms a first matching element that improves matching to provide for antenna resonance at least at a first frequency band
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna, and an associated methodology, for a portable radio device, such as a mobile station capable of operation at a plurality of frequency bands spread across a wide range of frequencies. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate and a monopole disposed about the substrate. The monopole includes a first end having a feed point connection and is folded in a serpentine manner about at least three planar surfaces of the substrate. A first patch element improves matching at a first frequency band, extends from the monopole. A second patch element improves matching at a second frequency band, extends from the monopole and is proximate to the feed point connection. A third patch element improves matching at a third frequency band, extends from a second end of the monopole, opposed to the feed point connection.