Stretchable Composite Antenna for Stable Resonant Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stretchable dielectric materials used in antennas change their dielectric constant irregularly when stretched, making it difficult to maintain frequency within a reference range, especially in flexible systems like wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

A composite substrate with a dielectric cluster and a metal conductor patch, where the dielectric cluster changes shape to maintain frequency within a reference range when stretched, using materials like silicon-based polymers and metal oxide-based dielectric powders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a polymer elastomer is used as a stretchable dielectric material, then elasticity is improved, but frequency stability deteriorates because the dielectric constant changes irregularly when stretched

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveelasticityVSAvoidfrequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer elastomer with metal oxide particles to create a stretchable dielectric layer. This composite structure allows the material to maintain both elasticity from the polymer and frequency stability through the metal oxide particles that regulate dielectric constant changes during stretching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the dielectric constant by adjusting the content and properties of metal oxide particles within the polymer elastomer. By changing parameters such as particle concentration, size distribution, and material composition, the dielectric constant can be regulated to maintain frequency stability even when the antenna is stretched.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a metal material-based dielectric is used, then frequency stability is improved, but elasticity deteriorates making it difficult to apply to flexible systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidelasticity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite dielectric structure where metal oxide particles are dispersed within a polymer elastomer matrix. This composite approach combines the frequency stability advantage of metal materials with the elasticity advantage of polymers, enabling both flexible deformation and stable electromagnetic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by distributing metal oxide particles throughout the polymer matrix to provide localized dielectric stability. The metal oxide particles are strategically positioned within the flexible polymer structure to maintain electromagnetic properties in specific regions while allowing overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the dielectric constant is increased to improve frequency characteristics, then frequency stability is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency characteristicsVSAvoidthermal conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes thermal conductivity by controlling parameters such as metal oxide particle concentration, size, and distribution within the polymer matrix. By adjusting these parameters, the patent achieves a balance where sufficient thermal conductivity is maintained while the dielectric constant provides good frequency characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 maintains frequency stability and thermal conductivity even when stretched, enabling effective operation in flexible systems.

Implementation Method 1

a composite substrate having elasticity and dielectric properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

metal oxide-based dielectric powders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

The antenna maintains frequency stability and thermal conductivity even when stretched

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4629441A1Antenna, method for manufacturing same, and flexible system comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY
  • EP4629441A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629441A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4629441A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an antenna comprising: a composite substrate having elasticity and dielectric properties; a ground panel formed on the lower surface of the composite substrate and grounded; and a patch formed on the upper surface of the composite substrate and resonating at a frequency in a reference range, wherein when the composite substrate and the patch stretch, the dielectric constant of the composite substrate changes, and the frequency of the patch is maintained within the reference range.