Tapered Loop Antenna Assemblies with Offset Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna designs for receiving high definition television (HDTV) signals lack optimal balance between size, gain, and impedance bandwidth, often resulting in reduced performance and increased physical footprint.
Innovation Solution
The antenna assembly features a tapered loop antenna element with a generally annular shape and offset diameters, combined with a reflector element having a planar surface and sidewall portions, optimized for electromagnetic wave reflection and impedance matching, which enhances gain and impedance bandwidth while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional loop antenna element is used, then the antenna assembly can receive HDTV signals, but the impedance bandwidth is limited and gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the inner diameter from the outer diameter of the annular antenna element, creating an asymmetric geometric configuration that improves impedance bandwidth and gain while maintaining compact size. This asymmetric design allows the antenna to achieve broader impedance matching across the HDTV frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the geometric parameters of the antenna element, specifically the offset between inner and outer diameters, and the spacing between the antenna element and reflector. These parameter optimizations enable the antenna to achieve high impedance bandwidth and gain without requiring amplification.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna assembly size is reduced for compactness, then the form factor is improved, but the gain and signal reception performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric offset between inner and outer diameters allows the antenna to maintain high gain and efficient signal reception within a compact volume. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the current distribution and electromagnetic field patterns, enabling high performance in a small form factor suitable for placement on consumer electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spacing dimension between the annular antenna element and the planar reflector to enhance performance. By optimizing this vertical spacing, the antenna achieves high gain and broad impedance bandwidth without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining a compact overall size while improving signal reception efficiency.
3Reliability
If the antenna element is made larger to improve gain, then the signal reception efficiency is improved, but the physical footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the performance optimization from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension by introducing a planar reflector positioned beneath the annular antenna element. This configuration leverages the spacing between the antenna and reflector to enhance gain and impedance bandwidth, achieving high signal reception efficiency without increasing the horizontal footprint, making it suitable for compact placements on consumer electronics.
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
This configuration achieves improved signal reception efficiency with a flat gain curve and high impedance matching across the HDTV frequency range, allowing for effective reception of HDTV signals without the need for amplification, while maintaining a small and unobtrusive form factor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector element spaced-apart from the tapered loop antenna element for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the tapered loop antenna element
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of antenna assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly generally includes at least one antenna element. The antenna assembly may also include at least one reflector element spaced-apart from the antenna element for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antenna element.