Printed or etched, folding, directional antenna
First Claim
1. An antenna array comprising:
- a deformable dielectric substrate forming a plurality of antenna elements extending radially from an integral center hub, such that a deformable union is formed between the integral center hub and the plurality of antenna elements;
wherein said plurality of antenna elements are deformable substantially perpendicular to the integral center hub and otherwise configurable into a substantially planar orientation; and
wherein at least one of the plurality of antenna elements is operable as an active element for receiving and sending radio frequency signals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An antenna array formed on a deformable dielectric material or substrate includes a center element and plurality of radial elements extending from a center hub. In the operative mode, the radial elements are folded upwardly into an approximately vertical position, with the center element at the center of the hub and the radial elements circumferentially surrounding the center element. In one embodiment the center element serves an active element of the antenna array and the radial elements are controllable in a directive or reflective state to effect a directive beam pattern from the antenna array. When not in use, the antenna elements are deformed into a plane and can therefore be integrated into a housing for compact storage. In a phased array embodiment, the center element is absent and the plurality of radial elements, are controllable to steer the antenna beam.
62 Citations
30 Claims
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1. An antenna array comprising:
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a deformable dielectric substrate forming a plurality of antenna elements extending radially from an integral center hub, such that a deformable union is formed between the integral center hub and the plurality of antenna elements;
wherein said plurality of antenna elements are deformable substantially perpendicular to the integral center hub and otherwise configurable into a substantially planar orientation; and
wherein at least one of the plurality of antenna elements is operable as an active element for receiving and sending radio frequency signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
a base;
a like plurality of dielectric frames, wherein each one of the plurality of antenna elements is disposed within one of said plurality of dielectric frames; and
wherein each one of said plurality of dielectric frames is pivotably attached to said base, such that the plurality of antenna elements are positionable substantially perpendicular to the integral center hub by rotation, about said pivotable attachment, of said plurality of dielectric frames into a substantially vertical position with respect to said base, and wherein said plurality of dielectric frames are pivotable into a position proximate said base.
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17. The antenna array of claim 1 wherein the union between the integral center hub and each one of the plurality of antenna elements includes a perforated joint so as to improve the flexural characteristics of the deformable union.
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18. An antenna array comprising:
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a substrate having a plurality of antenna elements disposed thereon and extending radially from an integral center hub thereof, wherein each one of said plurality of antenna elements has a deformable union with the integral center hub;
a center element having a deformable union with the integral center hub at the approximate center thereof;
wherein said plurality of antenna elements and said center element are operable when deformed substantially perpendicular to the integral center hub and are otherwise configurable into a substantially planer orientation. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. An antenna array comprising:
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a center hub formed from a first dielectric substrate;
a plurality of antenna elements comprising a conductive surface formed on a second dielectric substrate and deformably attached to said center hub;
such that said plurality of antenna elements are deformable into a substantially upright orientation and deformable into a substantially planer orientation; and
wherein at least one of the plurality of antenna elements is operable as an active element for receiving and sending radio frequency signals. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. An antenna array comprising:
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a deformable dielectric substrate comprising a central hub and a plurality of radial arms extending therefrom;
an antenna element disposed on one or more of said plurality of radial arms;
wherein said plurality of radial arms are deformable substantially perpendicular to the center hub and otherwise configurable into a substantially planar orientation; and
wherein at least one of said antenna elements is operable as an active element for receiving and sending radio frequency signals.
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Specification