U.S. patent application number 14/864444 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for antenna system for signal-attenuating containers.
The applicant listed for this patent is PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.. Invention is credited to David C. Szakelyhidi.
Application Number | 20160020505 14/864444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53183267 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160020505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Szakelyhidi; David C. |
January 21, 2016 |
ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR SIGNAL-ATTENUATING CONTAINERS
Abstract
A system can include a container that includes a cabinet capable
of attenuating or blocking wireless signals, an AED located within
the cabinet, an internal patch antenna removably mounted to an
internal surface of the cabinet, an external patch antenna
removably mounted to an external surface of the cabinet, and an
electrical connection between the internal patch antenna and the
external patch antenna. The internal and external patch antennas
can be configured to transmit wireless signals at a particular
frequency and to receive wireless signals at the particular
frequency. The system can be configured such that the internal
patch antenna is operative to receive a first wireless signal from
the AED, a first electrical signal based on the first wireless
signal is provided via the electrical connection to the external
patch antenna, and a second wireless signal based on the first
electrical signal is radiated by the external patch antenna.
Inventors: |
Szakelyhidi; David C.;
(Issaquah, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC. |
Redmond |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53183267 |
Appl. No.: |
14/864444 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14090824 |
Nov 26, 2013 |
9172129 |
|
|
14864444 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
343/702 ;
343/893 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/3968 20130101;
H01Q 9/0407 20130101; H01Q 21/00 20130101; H04B 7/15 20130101; A61N
1/3904 20170801; A61N 1/37229 20130101; H01Q 1/22 20130101; H04B
7/15507 20130101; H01Q 1/42 20130101; H01Q 1/3291 20130101; H01Q
1/24 20130101; H01Q 1/2208 20130101; H01Q 1/48 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/22 20060101
H01Q001/22; H01Q 21/00 20060101 H01Q021/00; H01Q 9/04 20060101
H01Q009/04 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a container; a medical device located
within the container, the medical device configured to communicate
wireless signals at one or more particular frequencies; an internal
antenna mounted to an internal surface of the container, the
internal antenna configured to transmit wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at
the one or more particular frequencies; an external antenna mounted
to an external surface of the container, the external antenna
configured to transmit wireless signals at the one or more
particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies; and an electrical connection
between the internal antenna and the external antenna; wherein the
system is configured such that the internal antenna is operative to
receive a first wireless signal from the medical device, a first
electrical signal based on the first wireless signal is provided
via the electrical connection to the external antenna, and a second
wireless signal based on the first electrical signal is radiated by
the external antenna.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is further configured
such that the external antenna is operative to receive a third
wireless signal, a second electrical signal based on the third
wireless signal is provided via the electrical connection to the
internal antenna, and a fourth wireless signal based on the second
electrical signal is radiated from the internal antenna.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more frequencies
comprise at least one of a cellular network frequency, a Wi-Fi
frequency, or an RFID tag frequency.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more frequencies
comprise a plurality of frequencies.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the medical device is configured
to communicate wireless signals at the one or more particular
frequencies by transmitting an RFID signal from an RFID tag.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least
one of a cabinet, a storage room, a vehicle trunk, a vehicle
compartment, an elevator, a subway compartment, a train
compartment, an aircraft compartment, or a vehicle.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the container is constructed of a
material that is capable of attenuating or blocking wireless signal
transmission.
8. An apparatus comprising: a first antenna configured to transmit
wireless signals at one or more particular frequencies and to
receive wireless signals at the one or more particular frequencies;
a second antenna configured to transmit wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at
the one or more particular frequencies; and an electrical
connection between the first antenna and the second antenna;
wherein each of the first antenna and the second antenna comprises:
a ground plane, a spacer disposed on the ground plane, wherein the
spacer comprises a magnetic material, and a conductive surface
disposed on the spacer.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the first patch
antenna and the second patch antenna further comprises a housing
surrounding the ground plane, the spacer, and the conductive
surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the first antenna and
the second antenna further comprises a protective layer disposed on
portions of the ground plane, the spacer, and the conductive
surface.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ground plane of each of
the first antenna and the second antenna comprises a metal
foil.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the metal foil of each of
the first antenna and the second antenna is disposed on a
substrate.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the first antenna and
the second antenna further comprises a connector.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electrical connection is
configured to be coupled to the connector of the first antenna and
to the connector of the second antenna.
15. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a container
constructed of a material capable of attenuating or blocking
wireless signal transmission, wherein the first antenna is disposed
inside the container and the second antenna is disposed outside the
container.
16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first antenna comprises a
patch antenna.
17. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second antenna comprises
a patch antenna.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a hole in the
container, wherein the electrical connection between the first
antenna and the second antenna is routed through the hole.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first antenna is
configured to wirelessly communicate with an automatic external
defibrillator (AED) located inside the container, and the second
antenna is configured to wirelessly communicate with a transceiver
located outside the container.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal antenna is
removably mounted to the internal surface.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the external antenna is
removably mounted to the external surface.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the medical device comprises a
defibrillator.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the medical device is an
automatic external defibrillator (AED).
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal and external
antennas are configured to passively transmit or receive wireless
signals.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/090,824 filed Nov. 26, 2013, entitled "ANTENNA SYSTEM
FOR SIGNAL-ATTENUATING CONTAINERS," the content of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable
electronic device that treats cardiac arrhythmias through
defibrillation. Such cardiac arrhythmias are potentially
life-threatening and the sooner that an AED can be used to treat a
patient, the greater the likelihood that the defibrillation by the
AED will benefit the patient. Defibrillation by an AED can include
the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia
and allows the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. Some AEDs
can automatically diagnose arrhythmias and tailor patient treatment
to meet the diagnosis. AEDs are typically designed so that someone
without extensive medical training can effectively use AEDs to
provide defibrillation treatment, though many AED training programs
are available for basic training on how to use an AED.
[0003] Because patients typically benefit from administering AED
treatment sooner, many public places, such as libraries, movie
theaters, hotels, high-rise buildings, and the like, are placing
AEDs in accessible locations. While public places may want to make
AEDs accessible, they also want to ensure that AEDs are protected
from inadvertent, unintended, or nefarious use, such as use by a
child, by a vandal, and the like. To protect AEDs while making them
available for use, AEDs are frequently placed inside of protective
containers, such as metal cabinets or containers. Other devices,
such as fire extinguishers, are similarly placed in protective
containers to prevent unwanted uses of the devices while making the
devices readily available for use.
SUMMARY
[0004] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention include,
without limitation, methods, structures, and systems. In one
embodiment, a system can include a container that includes a metal
cabinet, an AED located within the metal cabinet, an internal patch
antenna removably mounted to an internal surface of the metal
cabinet, an external patch antenna removably mounted to an external
surface of the metal cabinet, and an electrical connection between
the internal patch antenna and the external patch antenna. The AED
can be configured to communicate, via wireless signals at one or
more particular frequencies, with other devices or networks. Such
communication to and from the AED can used for a number of
purposes, such as AED software updates, query of AED state or
errors, AED event data transmission, or remaining shelf life of
time sensitive components of the AED. The internal patch antenna
can be configured to transmit wireless signals at the one or more
particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies. The external patch antenna can be
configured to transmit wireless signals at the one or more
particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies. The system can be configured such
that the internal patch antenna is operative to receive a first
wireless signal from the AED, a first electrical signal based on
the first wireless signal is provided via the electrical connection
to the external patch antenna, and a second wireless signal based
on the first electrical signal is radiated by the external patch
antenna.
[0005] In one example, the system can be further configured such
that the external patch antenna is operative to receive a third
wireless signal, a second electrical signal based on the third
wireless signal is provided via the electrical connection to the
internal patch antenna, and a fourth wireless signal based on the
second electrical signal is radiated from the internal patch
antenna. In other examples, the metal cabinet can include a door
and a doorway. The electrical connection can be routed through the
doorway. The electrical connection can include a ribbon cable. The
electrical connection can be routed through a hinge area of the
doorway. The electrical connection can be routed through a hole in
the metal cabinet.
[0006] In another embodiment, a system can include a container, a
device located within the container, an internal patch antenna
removably mounted to an internal surface of the container, an
external patch antenna removably mounted to an external surface of
the container, and an electrical connection between the internal
patch antenna and coupled to the external patch antenna. The device
can be configured to communicate wireless signals at one or more
particular frequencies. The internal patch antenna can be
configured to transmit wireless signals at the one or more
particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies. The external patch antenna can be
configured to transmit wireless signals at the one or more
particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies. The system can be configured such
that the internal patch antenna is operative to receive a first
wireless signal from the device, a first electrical signal based on
the first wireless signal is provided via the electrical connection
to the external patch antenna, and a second wireless signal based
on the first electrical signal is radiated by the external patch
antenna.
[0007] In one example, the system can be further configured such
that the external patch antenna is operative to receive a third
wireless signal, a second electrical signal based on the third
wireless signal is provided via the electrical connection to the
internal patch antenna, and a fourth wireless signal based on the
second electrical signal is radiated from the internal patch
antenna. In other examples, the one or more frequencies can include
at least one of a cellular network frequency, a Wi-Fi frequency, or
an RFID tag frequency. The one or more frequencies can include a
plurality of frequencies. The device can be configured to
communicate wireless signals at the one or more particular
frequencies by transmitting an RFID signal from an RFID tag. The
container can include at least one of a cabinet, a storage room, a
vehicle trunk, a vehicle compartment, an elevator, a subway
compartment, a train compartment, an aircraft compartment, or a
vehicle.
[0008] In another embodiment, an apparatus can include a first
patch antenna, a second patch antenna, and an electrical connection
between the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna. The
first patch antenna can be configured to transmit wireless signals
at one or more particular frequencies and to receive wireless
signals at the one or more particular frequencies. The second patch
antenna can be configured to transmit wireless signals at the one
or more particular frequencies and to receive wireless signals at
the one or more particular frequencies. Each of the first patch
antenna and the second patch antenna can include a ground plane, a
spacer disposed on the ground plane where the spacer includes a
magnetic material, and a patch disposed on the spacer.
[0009] The present invention is not limited to any specific design
or configuration of patch antennae. In view of the present
disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate that a patch
antenna is a type of radio antenna with a low profile suited for
mounting on a flat surface. A patch antenna typically includes a
flat rectangular sheet of metal mounted over a larger sheet of
metal called a ground plane. The assembly can be contained inside a
plastic radome, which protects the antenna structure from damage.
Patch antennas are suited to be used in the illustrative
embodiments of the present invention since they are easy to
fabricate and modify for a particular application. The two metal
sheets together form a resonant microstrip transmission line with a
length of approximately one-half wavelength. A patch antenna is
usually constructed on a dielectric substrate, using the same
materials and lithography processes used to make printed circuit
boards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to
indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings
are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and
are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a device that is stored in a
container.
[0012] FIGS. 2A to 2D depict a system that increases the ability of
a device in a container to communicate wirelessly with a device or
network outside of the container.
[0013] FIGS. 3A to 3C depict views of an example patch antenna.
[0014] FIGS. 4A to 4D depict various embodiments of patch
antennas.
[0015] FIGS. 5A to 5C depict examples of cross sections of patch
antennas that include protective coverings.
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example of a
container in which a device is stored.
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict various testing arrangements for
testing a patch antenna system.
[0018] FIGS. 7C to 7E depict possible orientations of the container
with respect a wireless transmitter.
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts another type of container that could benefit
from the use of a patch antenna system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a device 110 that is stored in
a container 120. The container 120 can be a cabinet, such as a
metal cabinet, as depicted in FIG. 1. The container 120 can take a
number of other forms, such as a storage room, a vehicle trunk, a
vehicle compartment, an elevator, a subway compartment, a train
compartment, an aircraft compartment, a vehicle, and the like. The
container 120 can include a door 121. The door 121 depicted in FIG.
1 is a hinged door, though many other types of doors could be used.
The door 121 can be a solid material, such as metal, or a
combination of materials, such as a metal frame with a plastic or
glass window.
[0021] Devices stored in containers increasingly have a need to
communicate wirelessly with communication devices that are outside
of the containers. For example, some AEDs may be able to
communicate via a WiFi, cellular, RFID, or other wireless network
to provide notifications device location, software updates or query
of device state or errors (collectively referred to as "readiness
data"), information about device event data, information about
remaining shelf life of time sensitive device components, or any
other type of information. In another example, some fire
extinguisher devices may be able to communicate via a wireless
network to provide information similar to those types of
information described above with respect to the AED above.
[0022] In another example, a device inside of a container may have
a radio frequency indentation (RFID) tag that can be used for asset
tracking. In this scenario, the RFID tag on the device may transmit
a radio signal that can identify the tag and a tracking device may
receive the signal and identify that the particular device is
within range of the tracking device. For example, a tracking device
may be placed inside of a room at a hospital and read all RFID
signals from RFID tags that are associated with equipment in the
room. The tracking device may record all the devices determined to
be in the room, and those devices can be tracked without a user
needing to visually identify each of the devices. Avoiding the need
to visually identify each device can be helpful, especially when
one or more devices are stored in one or more containers.
[0023] One difficulty with devices stored in containers
communicating wirelessly is that the containers may block wireless
signals or attenuate signal strength of wireless signals. By
attenuating or blocking wireless signals, containers can make
wireless communication between a device inside of the container
with a device or network outside of the container difficult or
impossible.
[0024] FIGS. 2A-2D depict a system that increases the ability of a
device 210 in a container 220 to communicate wirelessly with a
device or network outside of the container. The system also
includes an antenna system 230 that includes an internal patch
antenna 231 and an external patch antenna 232. Each of the internal
patch antenna 231 and the external patch antenna 232 can be tuned
to one or more target frequencies. A patch antenna is tuned to a
target frequency when it is capable of sending and receiving
wireless signals at or near that target frequency. Particular
frequencies that may be target frequencies include frequencies that
are used by cellular networks, such as 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz,
or 1,900 MHz, frequencies that are used by Wi-Fi networks, such as
2.4 GHz, and frequencies used by FRID tags, such as 120-150 kHz,
13.56 MHz, 433 MHz, 865-868 MHz, 902-928 MHz, 2450-5800 MHz, or
3.1-10 GHz. In one embodiment, each of the internal patch antenna
231 and the external patch antenna 232 can be tuned to one or more
of a cellular network frequency, a Wi-Fi frequency, or an RFID tag
frequency. In some embodiments, a device with wireless
communication capability can be provided with the antenna system
230 so that a user or installer can upgrade or retrofit a
previously installed container to enhance the ability of the device
to wirelessly communicate with devices or networks outside of the
container. For example, when replacing an older AED that does not
communicate wirelessly with a new AED that does communicate
wirelessly, the new AED may be placed in the same cabinet as the
old AED. However, since the old AED did not have the ability to
communicate wirelessly, a patch antenna system could be installed
on the cabinet at the time that the new AED is installed. In this
case, it may be helpful for the patch antenna system to be provided
as a kit with the new AED.
[0025] The internal patch antenna 231 and the external patch
antenna 232 can be removably mounted to one of the sides of the
container 220. A patch antenna is removably mounted to the
container if it is mounted to the container in a way that is easily
removed, such as using a magnetic mounting, an adhesive mounting
that permits the patch antenna to be peeled off of the container by
hand, a hook and loop mounting, or similar mounting. A patch
antenna is not removably mounted to the container if it is mounted
to the container using screws, rivets, bolts, or other similar
fasteners, or if the patch antenna is permanently affixed to the
container, such as if it is welded to the container.
[0026] The internal patch antenna 231 and the external patch
antenna 232 are connected via an electrical connection 233. The
electrical connection can be a low profile ribbon cable, a flexible
trace, a coaxial cable, or any other type of electrical connection
that can carry signals between the internal patch antenna 231 and
the external patch antenna 232. Such alternative types of
electrical connections may also include those which are non-contact
in nature. An example of non-contact electrical connection between
antennas could include inductive and capacitive coupling, where the
electrical signals are passed across/through the wall of the
container. Conductors are referred to as mutual-inductively coupled
or magnetically coupled when they are configured such that change
in current flow through one wire induces a voltage across the ends
of the other wire through electromagnetic induction. In such an
embodiment, the wall of the container residing between the internal
and external antennas, regardless of metal composition type, can be
factored as a component in the proper tuning and matching of the
non-contact electrical connection.
[0027] FIG. 2B depicts the passing of signals inside of the
container 220, outside of the container 220, and between the inside
and the outside of the container 220. The internal patch antenna
231 can receive a first wireless signal 241, the internal patch
antenna 231 can send a first electrical signal 242 to the external
patch antenna 232 via the electrical connection 233, and the
external patch antenna 232 can transmit a second wireless signal
243 outside of the container 220. The second wireless signal 243
can be a continuation of the first wireless signal 241, though some
losses could be incurred in the antenna system 230. The information
carried by the first wireless signal 241 is also carried in the
second wireless signal 243. Similarly, the external patch antenna
232 can receive a third wireless signal 244 from outside the
container 220, the external patch antenna 232 can send a second
electrical signal 245 to the internal patch antenna 231 via the
electrical connection 233, and the internal patch antenna 231 can
transmit a fourth wireless signal 246 inside of the container 220.
The fourth wireless signal 246 can be a continuation of the third
wireless signal 244, though some losses could be incurred by the
antenna system 230.
[0028] The size and shape of the electrical connection 233 can be
selected based on how the electrical connection 233 is fed between
the internal patch antenna 231 and the external patch antenna 232.
FIG. 2C depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2A looking down from the top of the container 220. In the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the electrical connection
233 is fed through the opening in the container 220 that can be
covered by the door 221. In this case, a thin ribbon cable can be
used as the electrical connection 233 without having a
significantly adverse effect on the closing of the door 221. While
a ribbon cable may not permit the door 221 to fully close, the
ribbon cable may still allow the door 221 to latch. In this way,
the antenna system 230 can be installed on an existing container
without a need for tools to cut a hole in the container 220 and so
forth. The electrical connection 233 could also be similarly fed
through a hinge area of the container 220, a door seal between the
container 220 and the door 221, any small passage or crack in the
container 220, or any other access point.
[0029] FIG. 2D depicts an example of connecting electrical
connection 232 between the internal patch antenna 231 and the
external patch antenna 232. The internal patch antenna 231 can
include a connector 251 and the external patch antenna 232 can
include a connector 252. One end of the electrical connection 233
cable can include a mating connector 253 and the other end of the
electrical connection 233 can include a mating connector 254. In
this way, the electrical connection 233 can be easily disconnected
from the internal patch antenna 231 and the external patch antenna
232, and a length of the electrical connection 233 can be
determined based on the appropriate scenario in which the internal
patch antenna 231 and the external patch antenna 232 will be
placed.
[0030] Other shapes and sizes of the electrical connection 233
could be used. In the example shown in FIG. 2D, the electrical
connection 233 is in the form of a coaxial cable. A coaxial cable
may be beneficial in a scenario where a hole exists in a side of
the container 220. Alternatively, a hole in the container for the
electrical connection 233 could be drilled. The container could
also have a pre-scored hole that an end user can punch out with a
screwdriver or similar tool should the end user want to feed the
electrical connection 233 through such a hole.
[0031] FIGS. 3A to 3C depict views of an example of a patch antenna
300 that can be used to implement an internal patch antenna such as
internal patch antenna 231 and/or an external patch antenna such as
external patch antenna 232 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. The patch
antenna 300 includes a ground plane 310 and a patch 320. A spacer
330 can be placed between the ground plane 310 and the patch 320.
The spacer can be made out of a dielectric material or an
electrically insulative material. Typically, the ground plane 310
is larger in size than the patch 320. The patch 320 can have
particular dimensions, such as a width 321 and a height 322. The
ground plane 310 and the patch 320 can be held apart at a distance
323 from each other. Electrical leads 340 can be connected to the
ground plane 310 or the patch 320. In the particular embodiment
shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, one electrical lead 340a is coupled to the
ground plane 310 and another electrical lead 340b is coupled to the
patch 320. While one electrical lead is coupled to each of the
ground plane 310 and the patch 320 in the depiction of FIGS. 3A to
3C, more than one electrical leads could be coupled to one or both
of the ground plane 310 and the patch 320.
[0032] The shape of the patch 320, the dimensions of the patch 320,
and the distance between the ground plane 310 and the patch 320 can
be selected so that the ground plane 310 and the patch 320 resonate
at particular frequencies. In one embodiment, the height 322 of the
patch is selected to be one half of the wavelength of a target
frequency. The ground plane 310 and the patch 320 can radiate due
to discontinuities at each truncated edge of a microstrip
transmission line. The ground plane 310 can be constructed on a
dielectric substrate, using materials and lithography processes
similar to those used to make printed circuit boards. When the
ground plane 310 is close to the size of the patch 320, it can
couple and produce currents along the edges of the ground plane
which also radiate. The current flow is along the direction of the
arrow 324 shown in FIG. 3B, so the magnetic vector potential and
thus the electric field follow the current. A patch antenna 300 can
radiate a linearly polarized wave.
[0033] Patch antenna 300 can be fabricated by etching a pattern for
the patch 320 in metal trace bonded to an insulating dielectric
substrate, such as a printed circuit board, with a continuous metal
layer bonded to the opposite side of the substrate which forms the
ground plane 310. While the shape of the patch 320 shown in FIGS.
3A to 3C is square, other shapes can be used such as rectangular,
circular, and elliptical shapes.
[0034] In one embodiment, the spacer 330 can be formed of a
magnetic material. In this way, the magnetic material of the spacer
can sever both the function of the spacer for the patch antenna 300
and as a mechanism for removably mounting the patch antenna 300 to
a magnetic surface. The magnetic material can be flexible, and the
materials for the ground plane 310 and the patch 320 can also be
flexible. In this manner, the entire patch antenna 300 can be
flexible. Such a low-profile, magnetic antenna can be removably
mounted to a number of magnetic surfaces, such as a side of a metal
cabinet, a curved metallic surface, and so forth.
[0035] FIGS. 4A to 4D depict various embodiments of patch antennas
400 that can be used to implement an internal patch antenna such as
internal patch antenna 231 and/or an external patch antenna such as
external patch antenna 232 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. Each of the
patch antennas 400 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D includes a patch 402
that has a different shape. Various shapes of patches can be used
for different reasons. For example, a particular shape of a patch
can tune the patch antenna to receive and send signals at a
particular frequency. In another example, a particular shape of a
patch can tune the patch antenna to receive and send signals at a
number of particular frequencies. It is possible that a certain
implementation could require antenna shapes or dimensions that are
at odds with the approach of antenna tuning by way of geometric
component dimensional adjustment. In such cases, an appropriate
combination of discrete electronic components (e.g., resistors,
capacitors, inductors, etc.) can be used to alternatively achieve
desired antenna tuning and characteristics.
[0036] FIG. 4A depicts a patch antenna 400a that includes a
backplane 401a and a patch 402a. The patch 402a includes slots
403a. The particular slots 403a in FIG. 4A include a pair of
parallel slots. FIG. 4B depicts a patch antenna 400b that includes
a backplane 401b and a patch 402b. The patch 402b includes slots
403b. The particular slots 403b in FIG. 4B include two pairs of
parallel slots, with one of the pairs of parallel slots being
substantially parallel to the other pair of parallel slots. FIG. 4C
depicts a patch antenna 400c that includes a backplane 401c and a
patch 402c. The patch 402c is formed in two pieces, with a central
rectangle and an outer rectangular loop. The patch 402c also
includes a slot 403c that is formed as a rectangular loop in the
area between the two pieces of the patch 402c. In this scenario,
for an electrical lead to be coupled to the patch 402c, the
electrical lead may be coupled to both of the two pieces of the
patch 402c. FIG. 4D depicts a patch antenna 400d that includes a
backplane 401d and a patch 402d. The patch 402d is formed in five
pieces, with a central plus-shaped piece and four rectangle pieces
in the four quadrants of the plus-shaped piece. The patch 402d also
includes slots 403c that are formed in the areas between the
plus-shaped piece and the rectangular pieces of the patch 402d. In
this scenario, for an electrical lead to be coupled to the patch
402d, the electrical lead may be coupled to more than one of the
pieces of the patch 402d. Beyond those shapes depicted in FIG. 4A
to 4D, many other possible shapes and sizes of patches are
possible.
[0037] FIGS. 5A to 5C depict examples of cross sections of patch
antennas 500 that include protective coverings that can be used to
implement an internal patch antenna such as internal patch antenna
231 and/or an external patch antenna such as external patch antenna
232 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. FIG. 5A depicts a patch antenna 500a
that includes ground plane 510a, a patch 520a, and a spacer 530a.
The patch antenna 500a can also include a housing 540a that encases
the ground plane 510a, the patch 520a, and the spacer 530a. The
housing 540a, sometimes referred to as a radome, can be made of any
material, such as plastic or ceramic, that does not substantially
interfere with radio signals passing from outside the housing 540a
to the ground plane 510a, the patch 520a, and the spacer 530a. A
mechanism or material--such as a magnet, an adhesive material, a
hook-and-loop material, and the like--for removably mounting the
patch antenna 500a to a surface can be placed on the outside or
inside of the housing 540a. In one embodiment, the material for
removably mounting can be the spacer 530a if it is made from a
magnetic material.
[0038] FIG. 5B depicts a patch antenna 500b that includes ground
plane 510b, a patch 520b, and a spacer 530b. The patch antenna 500b
can also include a protective layer 540b that covers portions of
the ground plane 510b, the patch 520b, and the spacer 530b. The
protective layer 540b can be a material, such as a plastic or a
resin, that can be applied on the outside of the ground plane 510b,
the patch 520b, and the spacer 530b in a liquid form and that can
harden or cure to form the protective layer 540b. The protective
layer 540b can also be a molded material, such as a soft plastic or
rubber that is configured to cover the ground plane 510b, the patch
520b, and the spacer 530b. The protective layer 540b can protect
the ground plane 510b, the patch 520b, and the spacer 530b from
damage without substantially interfering with radio signals passing
from outside the protective layer 540b to the ground plane 510b,
the patch 520b, and the spacer 530b. In one embodiment, a mechanism
or material for removably mounting the patch antenna 500b to a
surface can be placed on the outside of the protective layer 540b
or the outside of the ground plane 510b. In another embodiment, the
spacer 530b can be made from a magnetic material to permit the
patch antenna 500b to be removably mounted to a magnetic
surface.
[0039] FIG. 5C depicts a patch antenna 500c that includes ground
plane 510c, a patch 520c, and a spacer 530c. The ground plane 510c
is located over a substrate 511c. In this embodiment, the ground
plane 510c can be a very thin layer, such as a layer of metal foil.
The substrate 511c can provide structural integrity and protection
for the ground plane 510c. The patch antenna 500c can also include
a protective layer 540c that covers portions of the ground plane
510b, the substrate 511c, the patch 520b, and the spacer 530b. The
protective layer 540c can be similar to the protective layer 540b
described above. The protective layer 540b can protect the ground
plane 510c, the patch 520c, and the spacer 530c from damage without
substantially interfering with radio signals passing from outside
the protective layer 540c to the ground plane 510c, the patch 520c,
and the spacer 530c. In one embodiment, a mechanism or material for
removably mounting the patch antenna 500c to a surface can be
placed on the outside of the protective layer 540c or the outside
of the ground plane 510c. In another embodiment, the spacer 530c
can be made from a magnetic material to permit the patch antenna
500c to be removably mounted to a magnetic surface.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example of a
container 620 in which a device 610 is stored. The device 610 can
be configured to communicate wirelessly using one or more of a
Wi-Fi communication device, a cellular communication device, an
RFID transmitter (either active or passive), and the like. The
container 620 may block wireless signals or attenuate wireless
signals to the point that wireless communication is difficult or
impossible. FIG. 6 also depicts an internal patch antenna 631 and
an external patch antenna 632. The internal patch antenna 631 and
the external patch antenna 632 are depicted in a form that is
similar to the patch antenna 500b depicted in FIG. 5B; however, the
internal patch antenna 631 and the external patch antenna 632 can
be in the form of the patch antenna 500a depicted in FIG. 5A, in
the form of the patch antenna 500c depicted in FIG. 5C, or in any
other form.
[0041] An electrical connection 633 is connected to both the
internal patch antenna 631 and the external patch antenna 632. The
electrical connection 633 is fed through a hole in the container
620. As discussed above, electrical leads of the electrical
connection 633 can be coupled directly to portions of the internal
patch antenna 631 and the external patch antenna 632, such as a
ground plane or a patch of the internal patch antenna 631 and the
external patch antenna 632. A directed coupling could be
accomplished by soldering the electrical leads of the electrical
connection 633, by welding the electrical leads of the electrical
connection 633, or by any other like method. The electrical
connection 633 can also be coupled to a connector of each of the
internal patch antenna 631 and the external patch antenna 632. The
electrical connection 633 can pass signals between the internal
patch antenna 631 and the external patch antenna 632.
[0042] The internal patch antenna 631 and the external patch
antenna 632 can be tuned to passively transmit and receive wireless
signals at the same one or more target frequencies. For example,
the external patch antenna 632 can receive a first wireless signal
641. The first wireless signal 641 can be at a particular
frequency, such as 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2.4 GHz, or any other
frequency. The external patch antenna 632 can be tuned to receive
wireless signals at the particular frequency and to send an
electrical signal along the electrical connection 633 to the
internal patch antenna 631. The internal patch antenna 631 can be
tuned to transmit wireless signals at the particular frequency, and
the internal patch antenna 631 can transmit a second wireless
signal 642 at the particular frequency. The second wireless signal
642 can be similar to the first wireless signal 641, though some
losses may be incurred between the receipt of the first wireless
signal 641 by the external patch antenna 632 and the transmission
of the second wireless signal 642 by the internal patch antenna
631. In another example, the internal patch antenna 631 can receive
a third wireless signal 643 from the device 610. The third wireless
signal 643 can be at a particular frequency, such as 900 MHz, 1,800
MHz, 2.4 GHz, or any other frequency. The frequency of the third
wireless signal can be at the same frequency of the first wireless
signal 641 or at a different frequency. The internal patch antenna
631 can be tuned to receive wireless signals at the particular
frequency of the third wireless signal 643 and to send an
electrical signal along the electrical connection 633 to the
external patch antenna 632. The external patch antenna 632 can be
tuned to transmit wireless signals at the particular frequency of
the third wireless signal 643, and the external patch antenna 632
can transmit a fourth wireless signal 644 at the particular
frequency of the third wireless signal 643. The fourth wireless
signal 644 can be similar to the third wireless signal 643, though
some losses may be incurred between the receipt of the third
wireless signal 643 by the internal patch antenna 631 and the
transmission of the fourth wireless signal 644 by the external
patch antenna 632.
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict various testing arrangements for
testing a patch antenna system. The testing arrangements include a
container 710 and a wireless signal receiver 711 inside of the
container. An internal patch antenna 721 is located inside of the
container 710 and an external patch antenna 722 is located outside
of the container 710. The internal patch antenna 721 and the
external patch antenna 722 are coupled via an electrical connection
723. The testing arrangements include a network analyzer 730. A
first electrical connection 731 is connected from a first port of
the network analyzer 730 to the wireless signal receiver 711. A
second electrical connection 732 is connected from a second port of
the network analyzer 730 to a wireless transmitter 740. The
wireless transmitter 740 is configured to emit a first wireless
signal 741. The external patch antenna 722 is configured to receive
the first wireless signal 741 and to send an electrical signal to
the internal patch antenna 721 via the electrical connection 723.
The internal patch antenna 721 is configured to transmit a second
wireless signal 742 inside of the container 710 that can be
received by the wireless signal receiver 711. The network analyzer
730 can control signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter 740
and determine the differences between the first wireless signal 741
transmitted by the wireless transmitter 740 and the second wireless
signal 742 received by the wireless signal receiver 711.
[0044] The different testing arrangements shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B
are similar, except that the external patch antenna 722 is located
at different places on the container 710. In FIG. 7A, the external
patch antenna 722 is located in a horizontal position with respect
to the wireless transmitter 740. In FIG. 7B, the external patch
antenna 722 is located in a vertical position with respect to the
wireless transmitter 740.
[0045] FIGS. 7C to 7E depict possible orientations of the container
710 with respect a wireless transmitter 740. FIGS. 7C to 7E depict
overhead views of the container 710, showing a side of the
container 710 that includes a door 712. The container 710 can be a
metal cabinet and the door 712 can have a metal frame with a
plastic or glass window. In the orientation shown in FIG. 7C, the
door is facing toward the wireless transmitter 740 (i.e., at an
angle of approximately 0.degree. with respect to the wireless
transmitter 740). In the orientation shown in FIG. 7D, the door is
facing in a direction substantially parallel to the wireless
transmitter 740 (i.e., at an angle of approximately 90.degree. with
respect to the wireless transmitter 740). In the orientation shown
in FIG. 7E, the door is facing away from the wireless transmitter
740 (i.e., at an angle of approximately 180.degree. with respect to
the wireless transmitter 740).
[0046] Using a variety of orientations depicted in FIGS. 7A to 7E,
the effects of having a patch antenna system and the effects of
door position were investigated. In a first test, a series of
measurements were recorded with and without a patch antenna system
on the container 710. This afforded differential measurements
comparing the baseline signal strength within the container 710 to
the affected signal strength produced by the patch antenna system
(when connected). During the testing, the orientation of the door
712 of the container 710 with respect to the wireless transmitter
740 was adjusted. The door 712 included a glass portion which can
allow wireless signals to pass with much less attenuation than the
metal portions of the container 710. In addition, the orientation
of the external patch antenna 722 was adjusted from being in a
horizontal position on the container 710 to a vertical position on
the container 710. Results from the first test are shown below in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Test results with and with patch antenna
system Measurement (dB) of wireless signal receiver in container
Vertical No patch external Horizontal external Container
configuration antenna system antenna antenna Door at 0.degree.
angle -68 dB -71 dB -70 dB Door at 90.degree. angle -82 dB -79 dB
-78 dB Door at 180.degree. angle -92 dB -81 dB -84 dB
[0047] In a second test, power provided by the network analyzer 730
when sending signals to the wireless transmitter 740 was adjusted.
This permitted any changes changes in the experimental data due to
propagation variations to be detected. Additionally, this provided
further supporting data for the first test. The second test was
performed with the door 712 of the container 710 facing away from
the wireless transmitter 740 (i.e. at a 180.degree. angle) as that
was the lowest baseline signal strength from the first test.
Results from the second test are shown below in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Test results with and with patch antenna
system Measurement (dB) of wireless Analyzer- signal receiver in
container Container provided With patch No patch configuration
power antenna system antenna system Door at 180.degree. angle 0 dB
-84 dB -87 dB Door at 180.degree. angle 5 dB -82 dB -86 dB Door at
180.degree. angle 10 dB -83 dB -86 dB
[0048] As shown in the results of the first and second tests, there
was an increase in signal strength between measurements with and
without the patch antenna system. The patch antenna system was able
to increase the wireless signal field strength inside the container
710 by at least 3 dB in most test configurations and more than 3 dB
in some test configurations. A 3 dB gain using a patch antenna
system effectively doubles the strength of wireless signals that
are sent into and outside of the container 710.
[0049] Both of the tests described indicate that various
orientations of the container 710 and various placements of the
external patch antenna 722 can affect the strength of the signal
inside of the container 710. When an internal patch antenna 721 and
an external patch antenna 722 are removably mounted by an end user,
the end user may not know where a wireless transmitter or receiver
is located with respect to the container 710. The end user may also
not be able to reposition or reorient the container 710 and the end
user may not know the optimal location of the external patch
antenna 722 on the container. In this case, the end user may use a
trial-and-error method of removably mounting the internal patch
antenna 721 and the external patch antenna 722 on the container
710. In this case, the ability to easily remove the internal patch
antenna 721 and the external patch antenna 722 and reposition the
internal patch antenna 721 and the external patch antenna 722 can
greatly aid in the end user's ability to try different positions of
the internal patch antenna 721 and the external patch antenna 722
until suitable positions are found.
[0050] FIG. 8 depicts another type of container that could benefit
from the use of a patch antenna system. As discussed above, a
container for a wirelessly-communicating device can take the form
of a cabinet, a storage room, a vehicle trunk, a vehicle
compartment, an elevator, a subway compartment, a train
compartment, an aircraft compartment, a vehicle, and the like. FIG.
8 depicts a vehicle 810, such as an ambulance, that can include a
wirelessly-communicating device. In one example, an AED can be
located inside of the vehicle 810 and used to treat a patient that
is en route to a hospital. The AED may communicate via a cellular
network with the hospital to provide information about the patient
and/or treatment by the AED while en route. In such a case,
wireless communications between the AED and the cellular network
may be difficult due to the enclosed nature of the vehicle 810. To
address this issue, a patch antenna system--including an internal
patch antenna 820, an external patch antenna 830, and an electrical
connection 840 between the internal patch antenna 820 and the
external patch antenna 830--to increase signal strengths of
wireless signals passed from outside the vehicle 810 to inside the
vehicle 810 and vice versa.
[0051] While many of the embodiments described herein include a
pair of patch antennas, this is not the only pair of antennas that
could be used. Any other pair of antennas capable of transmitting
and receiving the intended frequencies can be suitable, such as
dipole antennas. It is also possible that an internal antenna and
an external antenna could be dissimilar antennas. For example, an
external antenna could be a dipole antenna when an internal is a
patch antenna.
[0052] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others,
"can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
examples include, while other examples do not include, certain
features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language
is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one
or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or
without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements
and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular
example. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the
like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended
fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts,
operations, and so forth. Also, the term "or" is used in its
inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used,
for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means
one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0053] In general, the various features and processes described
above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined
in different ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations
are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. For
example, this disclosure includes other combinations and
sub-combinations equivalent to: extracting an individual feature
from one embodiment and inserting such feature into another
embodiment; removing one or more features from an embodiment; or
both removing a feature from an embodiment and adding a feature
extracted from another embodiment, while providing the advantages
of the features incorporated in such combinations and
sub-combinations irrespective of other features in relation to
which it is described. In addition, certain method or process
blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and
processes described herein are also not limited to any particular
sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be
performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example,
described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than
that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be
combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states
may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner.
Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed
example examples. The example systems and components described
herein may be configured differently than described. For example,
elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to
the disclosed example examples.
[0054] While certain example or illustrative examples have been
described, these examples have been presented by way of example
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions
disclosed herein. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described
herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. The
accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover
such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and
spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.
* * * * *