Wideband Planar Antenna Element for Multi-Carrier Cellular Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular antenna arrays require large spacings and complex switching techniques to avoid interference, leading to inefficient use of space and aesthetics issues due to multiple towers for different carriers operating on different frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A planar antenna element with a unique 'whale-tail' configuration and changing flare angles allows for close spacing of antenna elements, enabling concurrent transmission and reception across a wide frequency range without multiplexing or smart switching, facilitating shared towers and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dipole and mast type antennas are used for different carriers, then each carrier can operate on its own frequency, but multiple large towers must be installed close together which creates aesthetic problems and uses excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple carrier antennas into a single integrated array structure where elements from different carriers are closely spaced and coordinated. This merging approach allows multiple carriers to share common infrastructure rather than requiring separate towers, thereby reducing the total area occupied while maintaining multi-carrier versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed with universal elements that can support multiple carriers and frequency bands simultaneously. The planar inverted-F antenna elements are configured to handle different RF streams for various carriers, making the structure multi-functional and eliminating the need for carrier-specific towers
2Productivity
If conventional antennas are used for 3G and 4G MIMO systems, then multiple independent RF streams can be transmitted, but antennas must be spaced at least one wavelength apart which increases array size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple antenna elements are closely integrated within a compact planar array. The elements are positioned in a nested configuration that allows them to operate independently for MIMO streams while occupying minimal space, overcoming the conventional wavelength spacing requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional three-dimensional tower-mounted antennas to a two-dimensional planar array configuration. This dimensional change allows elements to be closely spaced in the plane while maintaining proper isolation through spatial arrangement and signal processing, thereby supporting multi-stream transmission in a compact footprint
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antennas are used for different carriers, then each carrier operates independently, but complex switching and multiplexing techniques are required which increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables all antenna elements to operate continuously and concurrently for different carriers without requiring switching or multiplexing. Each element maintains continuous transmission and reception capability for its assigned RF stream, eliminating the need for complex switching mechanisms while supporting multi-carrier operation
4Reliability
If large external cellular antennas are installed for each carrier, then reliable communication is achieved, but aesthetic problems arise due to multiple towers in high-density areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple carrier antennas into a single integrated structure that maintains reliable communication for all carriers while presenting a unified, compact appearance. This consolidation eliminates the visual clutter of multiple separate towers, addressing aesthetic concerns in high-density areas without sacrificing communication reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband antenna element for RF transmission and reception over cellular frequencies. The antenna element is formed of conductive material on a substrate surface of conductive material in the form of a pair of half portions extending in opposite directions to distal tips defining the widest distance of a mouth of a cavity. The mouth converges to reduce in cross-section to a narrowest point at a plurality of different flare angles defined by the edges of the two half portions in between the pair of half portions forming the element. The resulting antenna element radiates and receives a wide band cellular frequencies enabling a single element to serve different providers operating on different frequency bands in the cellular spectrum between 680 MHz to 1900 MHz.