Strain-Tunable Antenna Using Actuating Substrate for Frequency Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple wireless technologies due to the need for different operational parameters in their antennas, such as input impedance, gain, directivity, signal polarization, resonant frequency, bandwidth, and radiation pattern, which are often addressed by using separate antennas or tunable antennas that require frequent frequency adjustments to avoid interference.
Innovation Solution
A strain-tunable antenna system utilizing an actuating substrate with an interpenetrating matrix of electrically conducting nanostructures, such as silver nanowires or graphene, that undergoes reversible strain to change the antenna's dimensions and operational characteristics, allowing for mechanical actuation to adjust the resonant frequency and input impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antennas are used for different wireless technologies, then each antenna can be optimized for its specific operational parameters, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single reconfigurable antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands and modes. The antenna uses a shared radiating element with configurable feed points and impedance transformation networks, allowing it to replace multiple separate antennas while maintaining optimized performance for different wireless standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can operate as different antenna types (dipole, monopole, patch) and support multiple frequency bands by changing its electrical configuration. This multi-functionality is achieved through switchable feed points,可调 impedance transformers, and reconfigurable ground plane connections.
2Area of stationary object
If tunable antennas are used to modify antenna properties, then space requirements are reduced, but the antenna requires frequent frequency adjustments which may increase operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through electronic switching mechanisms that can change its electrical length, impedance, and resonant frequency. Switches and variable impedance transformers allow the antenna to adapt its properties in real-time based on the required wireless standard, maintaining small physical dimensions while providing tuning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna achieves tuning by changing electrical parameters such as effective length, width, and impedance through electronic components. Variable impedance transformation networks and switchable feed points allow continuous adjustment of resonant frequency and input impedance without mechanical movement, simplifying the tuning process.
3Reliability
If the antenna dimensions are changed to adjust resonant frequency, then frequency tuning is achieved, but the physical structure must be mechanically adjustable which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dimension-changing mechanisms with electronic impedance transformation systems. Instead of physically moving or deforming antenna elements, the invention uses electronic switches and variable impedance networks to change the electrical characteristics of fixed physical structures, achieving frequency tuning without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna achieves frequency tuning by changing electrical parameters (impedance, effective electrical length) rather than physical dimensions. Variable impedance transformers and switchable feed points allow the same physical structure to resonate at different frequencies by modifying its electrical properties.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are incorporated to support various wireless technologies, then communication versatility is improved, but the available space within the device casing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable antenna is designed to support multiple wireless technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, NFC) using a single physical structure. By changing its electrical configuration through electronic switches and impedance networks, the antenna can be optimized for different frequency bands and radiation patterns required by various communication standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate antennas into one integrated reconfigurable antenna system. The shared radiating element with multiple feed points and switchable configurations replaces what would traditionally require multiple discrete antenna structures, freeing up significant space within the device.
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 frequency tuning and impedance adjustment of the antenna, potentially replacing multiple fixed antennas with a single device, facilitating miniaturization of electronic devices and enabling effective communication across various wireless technologies while maintaining design flexibility and aesthetic transparency.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating substrate configured to undergo reversible strain during mechanical actuation, wherein the strain in the actuating substrate varies the dimensions of the in-contact antenna
Implementation Method 2
Each antenna comprises an interpenetrating matrix of electrically conducting nanostructures
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An apparatus comprising an actuating substrate (102) and an antenna (101 ) in contact with the actuating substrate, the actuating substrate configured to undergo strain during actuation, wherein the strain in the actuating substrate varies the dimensions of the in-contact antenna and causes a change in the operational characteristics of the antenna.