US 6,774,852 B2 · Folding directional antenna

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.

Claims30

Dependent claims

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;
and
a ground plane formed as a plurality of fingers, a ground plane finger associated with a respective one of the 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.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Folding directional antenna

Life of this patent

Folding directional antenna

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30