The invention relates generally to antennas, and more particularly to antennas used with an interactive services module (ISM).
A planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) typically includes multiple layers of rigid materials formed together to provide a radiating element having a conductive path therein. The various layers and components of a PIFA are typically mounted directly on a molded plastic or sheet metal support structure.
An interactive services module (ISM), commonly includes a network device and a support structure surrounding the periphery of the network device. A PIFA is mounted to the surface of a support structure using tape or adhesive such that the PIFA is capacitively coupled to the exterior of the network device. When the PIFA is mounted with tape or adhesive, contaminants may become trapped between the antenna and support structure, thereby affecting the signal transfer between the antenna and the network device. Also, the durability of the tape or adhesive is limited such that the antenna may move relative to the support structure.
According to one embodiment of the invention, an antenna is provided including a generally rectangular ground element having a first end and a second end. The ground element includes at least one hold for mounting the antenna to a support structure. A generally rectangular radiating element having a third end and a fourth end if parallel to the ground element and separated from the ground element by a space. A bend connects the first end of the ground element to the third end of the radiating element. A coaxial cable includes a center conductor coupled to the radiating element at a feed point and an outer conductor coupled to the ground element. The coaxial cable acts as a feed line that couples the antenna to an external transmitter or receiver.
According to another aspect of the invention, an interactive services module is provided including a network device surrounded at least partially by a support structure. The support structure includes a mounting surface having at least one tab extending generally perpendicularly therefrom. A ground element of an antenna is in direct contact with the mounting surface. The ground element includes at least one hole. The at least one tab extends through the hole and is bent to restrict movement of the antenna relative to the mounting surface.
According to yet another embodiment, a method for mounting an antenna having a ground element including at least one hole to a mounting surface of a support structure is provided. The mounting structure has at least one tab extending perpendicularly therefrom. The at least one hold and the at least one tab are aligned. The at least one tab is inserted into the at least one hole. The antenna is then moved relative to the at least one tab until the ground element is in direct contact with the mounting surface. The at least one tab is then bent to restrict movement of the antenna relative to the mounting surface.
These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to
The radiating element 12 is generally shorter than the ground element 20. In one embodiment, illustrated in
The ground element 20 includes at least one hole 30 for mounting the antenna 10 to a support structure 100 (see
Referring now to
When the ground element 20 and the mounting surface 102 are engaged, the tabs 120, 122 will extend a distance beyond the ground element 20 into the space 28 between the ground element 20 and the radiating element 12. Each of the tabs 120, 122, that extends into the space 28, is then bent relative to the ground element 20. In one embodiment, each of the tabs 120, 122 is bent approximately 90 degrees to a position generally parallel to the ground element 20. The tabs 120, 122 may be bent during assembly either manually, such as with pliers for example, or automatically by a machine.
By bending the tabs 120, 122 parallel to the ground element 20, movement of the antenna 10 relative to the mounting surface 102 of the support structure 100 is restricted. The tabs 120, 122 retain the antenna 10 in direct contact with the mounting surface 102, thereby improving the radiation efficiency of currents induced from the antenna 10 to the ground outside the network device. Excited radio frequency currents on the ground element 20 can radiate outward therefrom, or alternatively, can radiate to the radiating element 12, through the coupled coaxial cable to the external transmitter and/or receiver 30. In addition, the process for mounting the antenna 10 to a support structure 100 is simplified and robust.
While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2013/042806 | 5/28/2013 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61677268 | Jul 2012 | US |