AU2018101096A4 - Dual polarity VHF/UHF mobile television antenna with optional 3G/4G/4GX broadband antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a compact device having antenna arrays for reception of television and internet services. The device is suitable for use in caravan and camping industry. The device comprises an amplified horizontally polarised LPDA television antenna, an amplified vertically polarised hybrid LPDA television antenna, an optional vertically polarised broadband omnidirectional antenna, a wind-up 4-bar mounting system for caravan roof and a pole mounting system for a camping version of the television antenna.

Description

Dual polarity VHF/UHF mobile television antenna with optional 3G/4G/4GX broadband antenna

The concept of this device is to integrate a directional hybrid Log Periodic Dipole Array UHF/VHF antenna with an omnidirectional 4GX mobile broadband antenna for mobile applications.

Background

The premise behind this invention, is the changing entertainment and communication needs of travellers, who not only require television reception whenever possible, but also access to internet services. The device must be as compact as possible, whilst retaining the ability to receive Television and mobile internet transmission signals with high quality.

In Australia, this requires the device to receive both VHF and UHF digital television transmissions, in both vertical (approximately 40% of television transmitters) and horizontal polarity (approximately 60% of television transmitters), whilst receiving mobile internet signals from 3G, 4G and 4G LTE mobile networks in vertical polarity. This will allow the user to cover the maximum possible bandwidth for the use of these systems as they travel around the country.

Description

The device consists of the following items 1. Amplified horizontally polarised hybrid LPDA television antenna. (175-694 MHz) 2. Amplified vertically polarised hybrid LPDA television antenna. (175-694 MHz) 3. Optional vertically polarised broadband omnidirectional antenna (698-2700 MHz) 4. Wind-up 4-bar mounting system for caravan roof. 5. Pole mounting system for a camping version of the television antenna.

The above antenna arrays are integrated into a compact and portable solution for use in the caravan and camping industry. 1. The television antenna array is a combination of a compact Log periodic dipole array in the UHF frequency band (525-694 MHz) comprising 5 elements(w) and a folded di-pole(v) in the VHF band (175-230 MHz). This is shown in Figure 7. Each antenna array is incorporated in a pair of one-piece metallic plates which are either die cut and formed or machined and formed. The two plates are separated and secured in an interlocking plastic antenna shell(c) (figure 1). The shells are fastened by two M5 screws (e) and nylock securing nuts (h). Contained within the insulative shell of the antenna array is a matching balun, band pass filter and 12v electronic signal booster, which are fed by 75 Ohm coaxial cable, and F-type coaxial connector(d). The same coaxial cable is used to transfer the collected RF signals to the television, where the tuner can decode these signals and display free-to-air television as we are accustomed in our homes.

This unit is directional in nature, and requires the user to aim the antenna toward the most suitable (usually closest) television transmission tower. In general, the higher this device is mounted, the better the reception will be, as digital television transmissions are most effective when clear line of sight between the transmission source and the receiving antenna is achieved. 2. The television antenna array, as described in 1. can be used to provide either horizontally polarised or vertical polarised television reception, buy simple orientation. Several means for achieving this in order to make this antenna conducive for use in mobile applications are presented in this paper. The integrated 4 bar linkage described in detail in 4. allows both orientations to be used together, whilst the simpler pivot mechanism of 5. Shows the pole mounted camping antenna solution which can be oriented for only one polarity at a time. 3. The horizontally polarised and directional (hybrid LPDA) television array as described in 1 is designed to allow for an optional compact vertically polarised omnidirectional broadband antenna to be added(b). This antenna is designed to receive mobile phone signals from the 3G, 4G and 4G LTE networks. This device is incorporated into the upper shell(c) of the horizontally polarised television antenna in such a way that it remains vertical when raised or lowered. The frequency response of this antenna is 698 to 2700 MHz and requires no signal boosting to augment its performance. The antenna is fed by 50 Ohm coaxial cable(g) terminated with SMA connectors. This unit is then directly coupled to a mobile broadband router, usually housed within the vehicle (Caravan or RV), and has the twin advantages of improving signal strength to the router, and allowing for increased upload and download speeds of data. 4. The unique mounting system for the Winsig 3.2 Ultra antenna array allows both vertical and horizontal television reception to be achieved simultaneously and can also provide an option for mobile broadband internet reception. This is shown in the provided figures 3, 4, 5 and 6. When in transit, the 4-bar linkage (comprised of mast(s) m; clevis pins n; retainers o; and upper and lower mounts i and r respectively) is wound down onto the roof of the transporting vehicle using a in such a way that the unit has a very low profile above the roof of the caravan (Figure6). If the optional broadband antenna(b) is fitted, the orientation of this antenna remains vertical when stowed which allows its continued use when in the stowed (transit) position (figure 6). This feature is unique to this design, and very important in that it expands the potential usage envelope for the system.

It should be noted that whilst the existing antenna mount housing (r) is shown in the figures attached, this is an existing commercially available item from several manufacturers, and is not considered to represent a part of this patent. 5. The camping antenna mounting system utilizes the same upper mounting bracket from 4. With a single pivot bolt and wing nut (y) fastening a mounting lug and alloy tube (z). This allows a simple interference fit mount to round poles from 25mm to 28mm dia. The pivot also allows the antenna to be oriented in either the horizontal plane (figure 8 & 9) for reception of horizontally polarised television transmissions; or the vertical plane (figure 10) for reception of vertically polarised television transmission. The antenna can be removed from the mounting pole and stored easily for transit when placed in the vertical position.

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A compact and unique UHF and VHF television antenna array design.
2. 2. Ability for the array (1) to be connected to a second unit to receive both vertical and horizontal polarity transmissions simultaneously.
3. 3. Ability for the antenna (1) to include a vertically polarised omni-directional broadband antenna for reception of mobile telecommunications signals.
4. 4. A four-bar linkage mounting system which allows this mobile antenna to be stowed for transit, but retains the vertical polarity of the broadband antenna so that this retains its efficiency in the transit position
5. 5. A single metal pressing and single plastic shell interlink to create a very efficient manufacturing method for the Hybrid LPDA design.