Single-Element Patch Antenna Pattern Control via Multiple Feeds

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Single-element GNSS patch antennas have limited control over radiation patterns and are ineffective in suppressing interference/jamming, particularly in the lower hemisphere, due to fixed radiation characteristics and lack of directivity control.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a single-element antenna with multiple feeds on opposite sides, utilizing an amplitude and phase control subsystem to dynamically control the radiation characteristics, including azimuth and elevation patterns, by varying the phase and amplitude of each feed port, allowing for directed radiation intensity and interference suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-element patch antenna is used, then the antenna structure is simple and compact, but the radiation pattern control is limited and interference suppression capability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structureVSAvoidradiation pattern control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single patch element is divided into multiple independently fed regions (first feed region and second feed region), allowing separate control of radiation patterns from different segments of the same physical element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation pattern is made dynamically controllable by adjusting the phase and amplitude of multiple feed ports, enabling the antenna to adapt its radiation characteristics in real-time without changing the physical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna elements are used to improve pattern control, then the radiation pattern control and interference suppression improve, but the antenna size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern control capabilityVSAvoidantenna size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple feed ports are combined within a single patch element structure, merging the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate antenna elements into one compact unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single patch element serves multiple functions by supporting multiple independent feeds, allowing it to perform both compact size maintenance and advanced pattern control simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a half-wave patch antenna over ground plane is used, then high directivity in upper hemisphere is achieved, but low directivity in lower hemisphere limits interference suppression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectivity in upper hemisphereVSAvoidinterference from lower hemisphere

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the patch antenna (first feed region and second feed region) are assigned different radiation characteristics to achieve high directivity in desired directions while creating low directivity regions for interference suppression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna feeds are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the patch, allowing independent control of radiation patterns to suppress interference from specific directions while maintaining desired directivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10770794B2Single-element patch antenna with pattern control

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 OHIO UNIV

AI summary

A single element antenna with the ability to have pattern control by placing multiple feeds on opposite ends of the antenna element and controlling the amplitude and phase distribution of each of the feed ports.