Stacked Multiband Patch Antenna for Compact Stable GNSS Reception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antennas have limited beam width and narrow bandwidth, making them unsuitable for wide area coverage and requiring multiple antennas for different frequency bands, which increases the footprint and compromises mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A multiband patch antenna design featuring two stacked antennas and three PCBs arranged in a sandwich-like structure, allowing for signal reception in at least two different frequency bands while achieving a compact form factor and enhanced mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate patch antennas are used to cover different frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device footprint and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple patch antennas (first patch antenna for first frequency band, second patch antenna for second frequency band) into a single integrated antenna assembly that shares common mounting structures and spatial arrangement, thereby achieving multi-band coverage while reducing the overall footprint compared to separate antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the first and second patch antennas in a stacked configuration along the vertical dimension, with each antenna mounted on different PCB layers (first PCB and second PCB respectively), allowing frequency band diversity without increasing horizontal footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate patch antennas are used to cover different frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting structures of multiple antennas into a unified assembly where first and second PCBs are mechanically connected through mounting holes and fasteners, creating a single stable structure that maintains mechanical integrity while supporting multi-band operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into modular components (first patch antenna on first PCB, second patch antenna on second PCB) that are individually optimized for specific frequency bands while being integrated through standardized mounting interfaces, balancing specialization with structural coherence
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single patch antenna is used, then mechanical stability is improved, but frequency band coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal antenna assembly where the first and second patch antennas share common mounting holes, fasteners, and spatial arrangement, allowing a single integrated structure to perform multiple frequency band functions simultaneously
4Volume of moving object
If chip-based antenna is used, then compactness is improved, but radiation efficiency and environmental sensitivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses traditional patch antenna structures with metallic surfaces mounted on insulating substrates, which provide superior radiation efficiency and environmental robustness compared to chip-based antennas, while maintaining compact form factor through optimized PCB integration and stacked configuration
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 multiband patch antenna effectively receives signals in multiple frequency bands with improved mechanical stability and compactness, making it suitable for applications like GNSS receivers that require robustness and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first antenna is configured to operate in a first GNSS frequency band, specifically one of L1, L2 or L5 band. The second antenna is configured to operate in a different GNSS frequency band than the first antenna, specifically in a different one of L1, L2 or L5 band.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment a multiband patch antenna comprises a first antenna (A1) with a first through-hole-feed (F1), a second antenna (A2) with a second through-hole-feed (F2), a first pin (P1), an antenna printed circuit board, PCB, (PCB1) comprising a first antenna feed point (AFP1), an interposer PCB (PCB2), and a main PCB (PCB3). The first antenna (A1) and second antenna (A2) are mounted on top of each other and on top of the antenna PCB (PCB1), each of the first and the second antenna (A1, A2) having an electrical connection with the antenna PCB (PCB1). The first pin (P1) is mechanically and electrically connected to at least one of the first and the second through-hole feeds (F1, F2) and to the first antenna feed point (AFP1). The interposer PCB (PCB2) is mounted between the antenna PCB (PCB1) and the main PCB (PCB3) and is mechanically and electrically connected to the antenna PCB (PCB1) and to the main PCB (PCB3).