Low Profile Spiral Antenna for Shielding Effectiveness Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas for evaluating shielding effectiveness are inefficient due to the need for multiple polarizations and large volumes, making them unsuitable for tight spaces and requiring excessive time and space for testing, especially in critical infrastructure protection against High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse attacks.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, broadband, environmentally sealed spiral antenna assembly with a conductive spiral antenna and coaxial cable, deployable in tight spaces, which includes an enclosure with a slim depth dimension and counter-rotating dual prongs, capable of evaluating shielding effectiveness in frequencies from 10 kHz to 1 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional linearly polarized antennas are used for shielding effectiveness evaluation, then the required frequency range can be covered, but the testing process becomes inefficient due to the need to change antenna type and polarization multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single circularly polarized antenna that can evaluate shielding effectiveness across the entire required frequency range (10 kHz to 1 GHz) without needing to change antenna types or polarizations. This multi-functional antenna replaces the conventional requirement for three separate linearly polarized antennas, thereby covering all polarization requirements simultaneously and eliminating the time-consuming process of changing antennas during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from linear polarization to circular polarization, and from multiple antenna types to a single antenna type. This parameter change in polarization mode allows the antenna to maintain measurement precision across different frequency ranges while eliminating the need for multiple antenna configurations, thus reducing testing time significantly.
2Measurement precision
If conventional antennas are used for shielding effectiveness evaluation, then the required frequency range can be covered, but significant volume is required which is unsuitable for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adopting circular polarization instead of linear polarization, which allows for a more compact antenna design. This parameter change enables the antenna to maintain full frequency coverage (10 kHz to 1 GHz) and measurement precision while reducing the volume from 4800 cubic inches to a much smaller form factor that can be deployed in tight spaces such as under buildings and behind walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by designing a low-profile antenna where the depth dimension is substantially less than the lateral dimensions. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the antenna to achieve the required frequency range and measurement accuracy while occupying minimal space in the depth direction, making it suitable for deployment in confined spaces where conventional bulky antennas cannot be installed.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional antennas are deployed in tight spaces, then space constraints can be addressed, but the antennas cannot be used properly due to insufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by redesigning the antenna with a low-profile configuration where the depth is substantially less than the lateral dimensions. This parameter change in dimensional proportions enables the antenna to be deployed in tight spaces such as under buildings and behind walls, while maintaining proper functionality and ease of operation through the use of a compact coaxial cable and interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by orienting the antenna such that its depth dimension is minimized relative to its lateral dimensions. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the antenna to fit into spaces with limited depth availability while maintaining full operational capability, thereby improving ease of operation in tight spaces without sacrificing performance.
4Volume of stationary object
If antennas are made low profile for tight space deployment, then space requirements are reduced, but environmental sealing and protection become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using an environmentally sealed enclosure that protects the low-profile antenna and its components from environmental factors. The sealed enclosure design maintains protection reliability while accommodating the compact antenna structure, ensuring that the reduced volume does not compromise environmental resistance or operational reliability in outdoor or harsh conditions.
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
Enables efficient evaluation of shielding effectiveness in space-constrained environments, such as under buildings and behind walls, with improved weather resistance and reduced operational complexity, facilitating periodic assessments of protection against electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the initiated nuclear chain reaction also generates electromagnetic radiation strong enough to disturb or destroy electronic circuits
Implementation Method 2
a coaxial cable that is in electrical communication with the spiral antenna, and is attached to the center origin point thereof. The coaxial cable may extend toward the outer periphery of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile broadband antenna capable of measuring shielding effectiveness (SE) of a shielded boundary above or below ground for permanent installation behind walls, under floors, above ceilings and other areas with limited transverse (as opposed to lateral) available space is provided. A spiral antenna having a wide operating bandwidth is positioned within the interior of an environmentally sealed enclosure. The enclosure likewise has a low profile suited for installation in such locations.