Patent Publication Number: US-11658382-B2

Title: Antenna system

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present application relates to the field of wireless broadband communication, and more particularly to antenna systems. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Over the last few decades, Long Term Evolution (LTE) has become a standard in wireless data communications technology. Wireless communication relies on a variety of radio components including radio antennas that are used for transmitting and receiving information via electromagnetic waves. To communicate to specific devices without interference from other devices, radio transceivers and receivers communicate within a dedicated frequency bandwidth and have associated antennae that are configured to electromagnetically resonate at frequencies within the dedicated bandwidth. As more wireless devices are used on a frequency bandwidth, a communication bottleneck occurs as wireless devices compete for frequency channels within a dedicated bandwidth. LTE frequency bands range from 450 MHz to 6 GHz, however, antennas configured to resonate within this spectrum only resonate within a portion of the full LTE spectrum. To capture a greater portion of the LTE spectrum, either an antenna array of various antenna configurations is used, or a single geometrically complex antenna can be used. An antenna array, in most instances, take up too much space and is therefore impractical for small devices, but employing a single antenna will have a useable bandwidth that is limited by its geometrical configuration. In one example, a known antenna configuration permits a 700 MHz-2.7 GHz frequency band; however, a single antenna configuration that permits a wider frequency band is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention disclose an antenna and an antenna assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, an antenna is provided comprising a body member having a front face, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; a head member integrally connected to a first edge of the body member, wherein the head member forms a fold having a first angle towards the front face of the body member; and a first arm member and a second arm member, wherein the first arm member and the second arm member are integrally connected to the body member corresponding to the second edge and the third edge of the body member, and wherein the set of arm members each form a fold having a second angle towards the front face of the body member. 
     In another embodiment, an antenna assembly is provided comprising: the previously said antenna, a tuner a second body member having a front face, a first end, and a second end; a base member integrally connected to the first end of the second body member, wherein the base member forms a fold having a first angle towards the front face of the second body member; an arm member having a first end and a second end, wherein the arm member is integrally connected to the second end of the second body member along on the first end of the arm member, wherein the arm member forms a fold having a first angle towards the front face of the second body member; a face plate member is integrally connected to the second end of the arm member, wherein the face plate member forms a fold having a first angle away from the front face of the second body member; wherein the antenna and the tuner are positioned a first distance, wherein the front face of the antenna and the front face of the tuner oppositely face each other; and wherein the antenna is connected to an antenna connection of a radio and the tuner is connected to a tuner connection of the radio. 
     Ultimately the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art. 
     The more important features have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and to ensure that the present contribution to the art is appreciated. Additional features will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow. 
     Many objects of the present application will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the various purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a tuning element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a back view of the antenna of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of the antenna of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the antenna of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a flat pattern view of the antenna of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of the tuning element of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of the tuning element of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the tuning element of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom view of the tuning element of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a flat pattern view of the tuning element of  FIG.  2   ; and 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of an antenna assembly having the antenna and the tuning element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     
    
    
     While the embodiments and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the embodiments described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. 
     The system and method in accordance with the present invention overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with traditional antenna systems. In particular, the system of the present invention is an antenna system having three bend arm members paired with a tuning element that permits a frequency range of 600 MHz to 6.0 GHz, which provides a wider range of frequencies than antenna systems currently known in the art. The three bent arm members allow for the antenna to be compact, making it ideal for compact LTE transmitters. These and other unique features of the system are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system may be presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described. As used herein, “system” and “assembly” are used interchangeably. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Dimensions provided herein provide for an exemplary embodiment, however, alternate embodiments having scaled and proportional dimensions of the presented exemplary embodiment are also considered. Additional features and functions are illustrated and discussed below. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views.  FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6    illustrate assorted views of an antenna.  FIGS.  2 ,  7 - 11    illustrate a tuning element that is paired with the antenna.  FIG.  12    illustrates an antenna and a tuning element employed with an antenna assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , a perspective view of antenna  101  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In general, antenna  101  is a modified printed inverted-F antenna (PIFA) modified to have three bent arm members that make the antenna a three-dimensional antenna as opposed to a two-dimensional antenna generally practiced in the art for printed inverted F antennae. Furthermore, antenna  101  is a dual band monopole antenna that has a configuration that, when used in conjunction with high order electromagnetic modes generated or received by a transceiver and/or receiver (as is typically performed for PIFA antennae), permit the antenna to have an operating frequency range of 600 MHz to 6.0 GHz. 
     In  FIG.  1   , antenna  101  comprise of a body, a set of arms, and a head. The body of antenna  101  is shown as body  125 . The set of arms of antenna  101  is shown as arms  127 . The head of antenna  101  is shown as head  129 . In one embodiment, the head and the set of arms of antenna  101  are integrally connected to the body. In other words, the head, the set of arms, and the body are a single piece wherein the head, the set of arms, and the body are differentiable based on a corresponding set of folds of antenna  101 . 
     The components of antenna  101  are further depicted and illustrated with reference to  FIGS.  3 - 6   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a perspective view of tuner  103  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In general, tuner  103  is a tuning element for antenna  101 . Tuner  103  comprise of face plate  171 , arm  173 , body  175 , and base  177 . The components of tuner  103  are further predicted and illustrated with reference to  FIGS.  7 - 11   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , a variety of views of antenna  101  as well as a cutout of antenna  101  is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. Dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of antenna  101  are included in Table 1. 
     Components of antenna  101  are symmetrical with respect to symmetry line  102 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Label Number 
                 Distance (Inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 105 
                 0.615-0.635 
               
               
                   
                 107 
                 0.440-0.460 
               
               
                   
                 109 
                 0.115-0.135 
               
               
                   
                 111 
                 0.097-0.117 
               
               
                   
                 113 
                 0.190-0.210 
               
               
                   
                 115 
                 0.238-0.258 
               
               
                   
                 117a 
                 0.119-0.139 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 117b 
                 0.119-0.139 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 119 
                 0.042-0.062 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 121 
                 0.821-0.841 
               
               
                   
                 123 
                 1.705-1.725 
               
               
                   
                 131 
                 0.181-0.201 
               
               
                   
                 133 
                 0.340-0.360 
               
               
                   
                 135 
                 0.508-0.528 
               
               
                   
                 137 
                 0.750-0.770 
               
               
                   
                 139 
                 0.902-0.922 
               
               
                   
                 141 
                 1.156-1.176 
               
               
                   
                 145 
                 0.333-0353 
               
               
                   
                 147 
                 0.809-0.829 
               
               
                   
                 149 
                 1.640-1.660 
               
               
                   
                 151 
                 2.205-2.225 
               
               
                   
                 153 
                 3.324-3.344 
               
               
                   
                 155 
                 5.990-6.010 
               
               
                   
                 157a 
                 0.119-0.139 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 157b 
                 0.119-0.139 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 157c 
                 0.119-0.139 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Furthermore, antenna  101  has a plurality of apertures, namely apertures  117   ab , aperture  119 , and apertures  157   a - c . In one embodiment, aperture  119  is a connection aperture for connecting antenna  101  to a radio transceiver and/or receiver. In some embodiments, antenna  101  is soldered to an antenna connection of a radio transceiver and/or receiver via aperture  119 . Exemplary locations and diameter distances of apertures  117   a - b , aperture  119 , and apertures  157   a - c  are provided in Table 1. 
     In one embodiment, antenna  101  is manufactured as cut-out from a sheet of metal (illustrated in  FIG.  6   ) having a thickness of 0.02 inches and has associated members bent to a corresponding angle. In alternate embodiments, the thickness of antenna  101  can range from 0.01 to 0.03 inches. In one embodiment, antenna  101  is formed such that each arm of arms  127  are folded towards a front face (i.e., face  130 ) of body  125  by angle  143 . In an exemplary embodiment, angle  143  is at or within 79-81 degrees. In one embodiment, head  129  is folded towards the front face of body  125  at an angle at or within 89-91 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, arms  127  and head  129  have a fold radius at or within 0.005-0.025 inches respective to body  125 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7 - 11   , a variety of views of tuner  103  as well as a cut-out of tuner  103  is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Dimensions for an exemplary embodiment of tuner  103  are included in Table 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Label Number 
                 Distance (Inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 159 
                 0.995-1.005 
               
               
                   
                 161 
                 0.695-0.705 
               
               
                   
                 163 
                 0.377-0.387 
               
               
                   
                 165 
                 0.176-0.186 
               
               
                   
                 167 
                 0.111-0.121 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 169 
                 0.290-0.300 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 0.136-0.146 
               
               
                   
                 179 
                 0.192-0.202 
               
               
                   
                 181a 
                 0.111-0.121 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 181b 
                 0.111-0.121 (Diameter) 
               
               
                   
                 183 
                 0.375-0.385 
               
               
                   
                 185 
                 0.555-0.565 
               
               
                   
                 187 
                 0.385-0.395 
               
               
                   
                 189 
                 0.495-0.505 
               
               
                   
                 191 
                 2.421-2.431 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Furthermore, tuner  103  has a plurality of apertures, namely apertures  167  and apertures  181   a - b . In some embodiments, aperture  181   a  and  181   b  are concentrically aligned. Exemplary locations and diameter distances of apertures  167  and apertures  181   a - b  are provided in Table 2. 
     In one embodiment, tuner  103  is manufactured as a cut-out from a sheet of metal (illustrated in  FIG.  11   ) having a thickness of or within 0.017-0.023 inches. In one embodiment, tuner  103  is formed such that arm  173  and base  177  are folded towards a front face (i.e., face  178 ) of body  175  at an angle at or within 89-91 degrees. Furthermore, face plate  171  is folded away from the front face of body  175  at an angle at or within 8991 degrees such that face plate  171  is planarly parallel to body  175 . In an exemplary embodiment, arm  173  and base  177  have a fold radius at or within 0.01-0.03 inches respective to body  175 . Furthermore, face plate  171  has a fold radius at or within 0.010.03 inches respective to arm  173 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , an exploded perspective view of antenna assembly  200  employing antenna  101  and tuner  103  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In this figure, antenna  101  is paired with tuner  103  to form an antenna group. The antenna group is configured such that tuner  103  is a predetermined distance from the front of antenna  101  (i.e., tuner  103  is positioned between arms  127 ) and wherein face plate  171  is oriented to face towards the front face of body  125  of antenna  101 . In some embodiments, face plate  171  is planarly parallel to body  125 . In this figure, two antenna groups are oppositely positioned from each other. In other words, a first antenna group having a first antenna and a first tuner face a second antenna group having a second antenna and a second tuner such that the front of the first antenna faces the front of the second antenna. Furthermore, tuner  103  is connected to a tuner connection of a radio transceiver and/or receiver, and antenna  101  is connected to an antenna connection of a radio transceiver and/or receiver. 
     In this figure, antenna assembly  200  comprise of a variety of components: radome  201  is a top mounted cover for antenna assembly  200 ; PCB  203  is a printed circuit board; stand  205  is a structural stand for securing antenna  103  to base  223  via apertures  117   a  using screw fasteners and corresponding nuts (i.e., screws  237  and nuts  235 ); coax  207  is a flexible low loss coax cable; holder  209  is a structural stand for PCB  203 ; washer  211  is a spring washer; nut  213  is a threaded nut; washer  215  is a flat washer; screws  217  are screws for securing radome  201  to base  223 ; gasket  219  is a gasket that is mounted between assembly  200  and a mounting surface (not shown); tape  221  is a high bonding tape for securing GPS antenna  227  to base  223 ; base  223  is a die cast base member; gasket  225  is a gasket for forming a weather resistant seal between radome  201  and base  223 ; GPS antenna  227  is a global positioning system antenna; screws  229  are screw fasteners for securing stand  205  to base  223 ; plate  231  is a plate; screws  233  are screws for securing plate  231  to base  223 ; and nuts  235  are nuts corresponding to screws  237 . 
     In further embodiments, the antenna assembly comprises a plurality of antenna group pairs. For example, an antenna assembly comprise a first and a second antenna (and corresponding tuners) that face each other to form a first antenna group, and a third and fourth antenna (and corresponding tuners) face each other to form a second antenna group, wherein the second antenna group is positioned a proximate distance away from the first antenna group. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.