Transparent Dielectric Antenna Structure for Facade Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of small cells for 5G network densification is hindered by challenges such as difficult antenna placement, high costs for outdoor fiber and electricity installation, and urbanistic regulations, while existing planar antennas integrated into building facades face complications in electrical connection, maintenance, and limited frequency band adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A transparent antenna system inscribed in a parallelepiped with a transparent dielectric panel arrangement, including a patch network, feeding network, and ground plane, with adjustable interlayers and retaining means to optimize transmission and reception, allowing seamless indoor or outdoor placement without impacting urban aesthetics or EMF constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If planar antennas are integrated into building façades, then the antennas can be installed in buildings, but the electrical connection, installation and maintenance becomes complicated and impossible to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into separate functional modules: the transparent antenna arrangement can be independently installed and replaced from the dielectric panels. The patch network, feeding network, and ground plane are separated into distinct components that can be individually accessed for maintenance without dismantling the entire façade integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna components are extracted from the façade structure itself and placed in front of it, allowing the antenna system to be removed or maintained independently from the building integration. This extraction enables separate handling of antenna maintenance from façade maintenance.
2Ease of manufacture
If planar antennas are integrated into building façades, then the antennas can be installed in buildings, but the performance parameters is limited by thicknesses of the components of the façade
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system transitions from being constrained within the two-dimensional façade plane to extending in front of the façade in the third dimension. This spatial extension allows the antenna components to achieve optimal performance dimensions without being limited by façade component thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
Transparent dielectric panels are introduced as intermediary elements between the building façade and the antenna arrangement. These panels provide the necessary structural support and electrical isolation while allowing electromagnetic wave transmission, enabling optimal antenna performance independent of façade constraints.
3Ease of operation
If antennas are installed in buildings, then the deployment can avoid outdoor installation challenges, but the appearance of the building may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric panels and antenna components are designed to be transparent or visually imperceptible, allowing the antenna system to be installed on the building without impairing its appearance. The transparency enables the building façade to maintain its aesthetic qualities while accommodating the antenna functionality.
4Productivity
If small cells are deployed for 5G network densification, then the capacity can be improved, but the deployment cost becomes high due to fiber and electricity installation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the transparent dielectric panels serve both as structural mounting elements and as electromagnetic wave transmission media, while the antenna arrangement provides both transmission and reception functions. This merging reduces the need for separate infrastructure components.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed with multi-functionality to operate across different frequency bands and communication protocols. The adjustable patch network configuration enables the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple network requirements, reducing the need for additional dedicated infrastructure for different services.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system inscribed in a parallelepiped. The parallelepiped has an antenna system front face. The antenna system contains a first transparent dielectric panel in front of the antenna system front face and a second transparent dielectric panel in front of the first transparent dielectric panel and separated by at least one panel interlayer from the first transparent dielectric panel. The antenna system also contains a transparent antenna arrangement containing a patch network attached and separated by at least one patch interlayer from the first transparent dielectric panel, a feeding network attached and separated by at least one feed interlayer from the second transparent dielectric panel and a ground plane. The antenna system also contains an antenna housing. An associated method and use are disclosed.