Switched Multiband Antenna Harmonic Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiband antennas face challenges in achieving optimal performance across different frequency bands, particularly when the ratio of operating frequencies is an integer power of two, leading to radiation loss and harmonic interference, which is detrimental in energy-efficient autonomous devices.

Innovation Solution

A switched multiband antenna design with two switching means, one between the antenna strands and another on the strand to separate or connect sub-strands, allowing optimal tuning to both frequencies while preventing harmonic radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a multiband antenna is used to cover different frequency bands, then the space occupied by the antenna device is reduced, but the performance is never optimal for each working frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by antenna deviceVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into multiple separate strands (first strand, second strand, third strand) with different lengths, each optimized for specific frequency bands. Switching means are used to selectively connect different strands based on the operating frequency, allowing optimal performance for each frequency while sharing a common support structure and radio frequency access terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If dedicated radio frequency antennas are installed for each frequency, then optimized performance for each frequency is achieved, but the space occupied and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidspace occupied by antenna device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple antenna strands are merged onto a single common support structure, sharing the same radio frequency access terminal and physical space. Switching means enable selective activation of different strands for different frequencies, combining the space efficiency of a single antenna structure with the performance benefits of multiple dedicated antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the ratio of operating frequencies is an integer power of two, then frequency reconfiguration is simplified, but radiation loss and harmonic interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency reconfiguration complexityVSAvoidradiation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful second strand that causes radiation loss and harmonic interference is extracted from the active antenna configuration. Switching means are used to disconnect or leave floating the second strand when operating at frequencies where it would cause harm, while only the necessary first and third strands remain active for optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the second antenna strand is left floating to enable first frequency operation, then the antenna can operate at the first frequency, but part of the radiation from the first strand is absorbed by the second strand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency operation capabilityVSAvoidradiation absorption loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna configuration is made dynamic through switching means that can change the electrical connection state of different strands based on the operating frequency. The second strand can be electrically connected, left floating, or disconnected depending on which frequency band is active, optimizing performance for each frequency while minimizing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3641058B1Switched multi-band antenna and radiofrequency device comprising such an antenna
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3641058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3641058B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This multiband switched radio frequency antenna (101) is configured to radiate and/or receive radio frequency signals on at least a first and a second operating frequency, the ratio of which is substantially equal to an integer power of two. The antenna body (102) comprises at least a first and a second antenna element (111, 112). The antenna includes at least a first and a second switching means (113, 114) arranged respectively between the first and second elements (111, 112) and between two sub-elements (1121, 1122) of the second element (112). The first and second switching means (113, 114) are configured to be actuated simultaneously and analogously. The length of the first antenna sub-element (1121) differs by a fraction of an integer power of two of the wavelength associated with the first operating frequency.The antenna (101) is tuned to the first operating frequency when the first and second switching means (113, 114) are in the first operating mode, and tuned to the second frequency when the first and second switching means (113, 114) are in the second operating mode.