Compact U-Shaped Antenna for High Gain and Wind Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna devices for low-frequency bands are cumbersome and require extensive installation areas due to their large size, and existing methods for downsizing them do not effectively reduce weight or the number of support members, leading to challenges in wind and earthquake resistance.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device incorporates a U-shaped conductor with a central columnar conductor and support bodies, allowing for a compact, self-supporting structure that suppresses gain reduction by maintaining electrical length through a bilaterally symmetric configuration, reducing the number of support members, and facilitating easier installation and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna length is increased to achieve high gain at low frequency, then the gain is improved, but the antenna size and weight become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear antenna structure into a three-dimensional configuration by adding vertical elements and grounding structures. The monopole antenna extends vertically from the ground plane, utilizing the third dimension (height) to achieve the required electrical length without increasing horizontal footprint, thereby reducing weight while maintaining gain performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into distinct functional segments: the monopole radiating element, the ground plane, and the supporting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the monopole for radiation efficiency, the ground plane for impedance control, and the support for mechanical stability - resulting in an overall lighter design.
2Reliability
If the antenna length is increased to achieve high gain at low frequency, then the gain is improved, but the installation area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal dipole configuration to a vertical monopole configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve the necessary electrical length. This dimensional change concentrates the antenna structure in the vertical direction while minimizing horizontal footprint, thereby reducing installation area while maintaining gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding structure is designed with a compact, nested configuration where conductive elements are arranged in concentric or layered patterns beneath the monopole. This nesting approach maximizes the ground plane's effectiveness within a minimal area, allowing the antenna to achieve resonant frequency and high gain without requiring extensive installation space.
3Volume of moving object
If thinning of the structure and multistage configuration are adopted to reduce size, then the antenna size is reduced, but strength and rigidity against wind vibration are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining conductive materials for the radiating elements with non-conductive, high-strength materials for the supporting structure. This composite approach allows the antenna to maintain electrical performance with thinner conductive elements while the structural composite materials provide the necessary mechanical strength and wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is segmented into the radiating monopole element and a separate supporting framework. This segmentation allows the radiating elements to be minimized for low profile while the supporting structure is independently optimized for mechanical strength and wind resistance, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and structural integrity.
4Reliability
If bending of the exciter part is used to suppress gain reduction and downsize the antenna, then the electrical length is maintained, but the horizontal size increases when vertical size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the exciter part horizontally to maintain electrical length, the patent extends the monopole antenna vertically into the third dimension. This vertical extension achieves the required electrical length without increasing horizontal area, thereby maintaining gain while minimizing footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a lower-side-columnar-conductor installing process, a first main columnar conductor (2), a second columnar sub-conductor (3), and a first main columnar conductor (1) are set up individually, and the first main columnar conductor (1) is disposed between the first main columnar conductor (2) and the second columnar sub-conductor (3). In a U-shaped-conductor fastening process, the upper-side end portion of the first columnar sub-conductor (2) is arranged facing one end of a U-shaped conductor (7) bent in a U-shape, the upper-side end portion of the second columnar sub-conductor (3) is arranged facing the other end of the U-shaped conductor (7), and the center portion of the U-shaped conductor (7) is fastened to the tip portion of a second main columnar conductor (4).