97 patents in this list

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Long-range drone operations face significant communication challenges, with signal strength dropping by 20-30 dB during critical flight maneuvers and degrading further with distance and environmental interference. Current single-antenna configurations struggle to maintain reliable links beyond 2-3 km, particularly during banking turns and rapid altitude changes when antenna alignment shifts relative to ground stations.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing the competing demands of omnidirectional coverage for reliable near-field control with high-gain directional performance needed for extended range, all while meeting the strict size and weight constraints of drone platforms.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dual-antenna switching systems, layered MIMO configurations, adaptive ground station arrays, and integrated control/mission radio architectures. These and other approaches focus on maintaining robust communication links across the full flight envelope while minimizing size, weight, and power requirements.

1. Dual-Frequency Antenna with Integrated Solar and Manual Power Generation and Signal Isolation for Drones

HU MING, 2024

Drone signal enhancement antenna with integrated power generation and charging capabilities to enable long-duration flights without requiring a large battery. The antenna has separate upper and lower shells. The upper shell has dual-frequency antennas and a charging protection board. The lower shell has amplifiers, a battery, and isolation to prevent signal interference. It uses solar panels, a crank generator, and hand cranking to generate power while flying. A photovoltaic inverter charges the battery from solar panels. The antenna can charge while in use via solar or hand cranking. This allows long flights without swapping batteries.

CN118137148A-patent-drawing

2. Directional and Omnidirectional Antenna System with Coupler for UAV Image Transmission

XIAN INNNO AVIATION TECH CO LTD, XIAN INNNO AVIATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

Enhancing the radiation angle signal intensity of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image transmission communication module antenna to improve reliability and avoid communication interruption during takeoff and landing. The system uses a directional antenna on the UAV along with an omnidirectional antenna. A directional coupler connects the UAV's image communication module to both antennas. During flight, the UAV's omnidirectional antenna is perpendicular to the ground station's antenna, reducing signal strength. But the directional antenna aims directly at the ground station, increasing signal strength. The coupler transfers power from the UAV's module to both antennas. This improves signal quality during takeoff/landing when the omnidirectional antenna is weak.

3. Four-Sided Directional Communication Antenna with Corner-Mounted Directional Units for UAVs

UNMANNED TECH INNOVATION CENTER OF CHINA TELECOM CORPORATION LTD, UNMANNED TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CENTER OF CHINA TELECOM CORPORATION LTD, 2024

A four-sided directional communication antenna for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that improves range, reliability, and resistance to interference compared to omnidirectional antennas. The UAV antenna has a body with four directional antennas attached at the corners. The directional antennas are electrically connected to the body using fixed blocks, connecting blocks, and wire tubes. This configuration provides four-sided directionality for better coverage and resistance to interference compared to omnidirectional antennas.

CN220821917U-patent-drawing

4. UAV Arm-Mounted Antenna with Ground-Connected Base and Tip Sections

深圳市道通智能航空技术股份有限公司, SHENZHEN AUTEL ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

An antenna design for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that improves stability by reducing signal interference. The antenna is mounted on the UAV arm instead of the fuselage. This allows larger antenna sizes and reduces environmental interference compared to tripod-mounted antennas. The antenna has a ground connection between the base and tip sections to prevent coaxial line currents from affecting performance. The antenna also has a through-hole with a metal piece connecting the base and tip ground sections.

5. Internal UAV Antenna with Curved Top Plate Conforming to Interior Space

深圳市道通智能航空技术股份有限公司, SHENZHEN AUTEL ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

An internal antenna for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables compact antenna design for UAVs. The antenna is arranged inside the UAV body instead of externally mounted. It has a unique shape with a curved top plate that conforms to the interior space of the UAV. When the UAV is flying horizontally, the curved antenna plate faces downward. This allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for reception and transmission while avoiding obstructions inside the UAV. The internal antenna reduces size and weight compared to external antennas and enables better integration with the UAV body.

6. Omnidirectional 5G Drone Antenna with Hollow Cuboid Configuration and H-Shaped Feed Network

青岛智慧蓝色海洋工程研究院有限公司, 2024

Omnidirectional 5G drone antenna with improved performance for long range, high bandwidth, and low latency wireless communication compared to conventional drone antennas. The antenna uses a hollow cuboid shape with four identical 5G antenna units arranged around the edges. The antennas are fed by connecting their ports to an H-shaped feed network in the center. The feed network is connected to the antennas using stripline transmission lines with the inner conductor, insulator, shield, and outer sheath arranged in a ladder shape. This allows 360-degree horizontal radiation and 120-degree vertical radiation from the drone. The cuboid shape provides omnidirectional coverage without the need for mechanical rotation.

7. Two-Dimensional Switching Multi-Beam Antenna with Single-Pole Multi-Throw Element Connection

深圳市中天迅通信技术股份有限公司, SHENZHEN ZHONGTIANXUN COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SHARES CO LTD, 2023

A two-dimensional switching multi-beam smart antenna for drones that enables high-gain, directional coverage with multiple beams without requiring a large antenna array. The antenna uses a feed network and single-pole multi-throw switches to selectively connect each antenna element to the feed point. This allows steering the beams by switching which elements are connected. It provides flexible multi-beam coverage with reduced cost and space compared to phased arrays.

8. Conformal Dual Polarization Planar Array Antenna Integrated into UAV Body Structure

CHINA ELECTRONICS TECH GROUP CORPORATION NO 7 RESEARCH INSTITUTE, CHINA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION NO.7 RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2023

Conformal array antenna for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that integrates high-gain array antennas into the UAV body shape to improve wireless coverage without affecting aerodynamics. The antenna is a dual polarization planar array mounted conformally on the UAV body, like the landing gear or fuselage. This allows using high-gain array antennas instead of external whip antennas. A power divider and feed network inside the UAV complete the antenna system. The conformal design enables integrating high-gain antennas into the UAV shape without adding external antennas that impact aerodynamics.

9. Miniaturized UAV Antenna Array with Integrated Microstrip Slot and Yagi Antennas for Hemispherical Coverage

HUNAN YINGLUOKANG TECH CO LTD, HUNAN YINGLUOKANG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Miniaturized airborne communication antenna for UAVs that provides full coverage and high gain without compromising UAV shape or size. The antenna integrates a microstrip slot antenna with multiple Yagi antennas arranged around it. This compact antenna array provides hemispherical coverage and higher gain compared to conventional UAV antennas. The Yagi antennas can be connected to MIMO RF modules to handle multiple frequency links. The antenna can be mounted on the UAV belly or inside the shell using LDS technology.

CN117080740A-patent-drawing

10. Ground-Based Long-Range Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Terrestrial Repeater Stations and Dual Antenna Configuration

WEI ZILI, 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system that enables long-range, broadband communication between a UAV and ground control without satellites. The system uses ground broadband networks and terrestrial repeater stations instead of satellites. The UAV has omnidirectional and directional antennas. It broadcasts its position to find the nearest repeater. The repeater aims its directional antenna and establishes link. UAVs can fly long distances over land using ground broadband. This reduces cost vs satellite and expands UAV range and applications.

11. Dual-Antenna Switching System with Remote Activation and Dynamic Selection for Airborne Platforms

The 60th Research Institute of the General Staff Department of the People's Liberation Army of China, NO.60 RESEARCH INSTITUTE GENERAL STAFF OF PLA, 2023

Low-cost airborne dual-antenna communication system for target drones that provides reliable communication even when the drone is maneuvering or at angles. The system uses two antennas, one on the top and one on the belly, connected to a switch. By default, only one antenna is selected. During flight, the user can remotely enable automatic antenna switching. The drone then dynamically selects the top or belly antenna based on flight conditions to maintain better communication. This allows using both antennas without complex switching logic or size/cost penalties.

CN114531170B-patent-drawing

12. Dual Antenna Communication Link System with Dynamic Switching for Unmanned Vehicle Connectivity

GUANGDONG HUITIAN AEROSPACE TECH CO LTD, GUANGDONG HUITIAN AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Communication link system, antenna, and control method for reliable and safe communication between ground stations and unmanned vehicles like aerocars. The system uses dual antennas at the ground station - an omnidirectional antenna for short-range communication and a high-gain array antenna for long-range communication. The ground station switches between antennas based on the vehicle's communication needs. This provides reliable short-range links close to the vehicle using the omnidirectional antenna, and long-range links using the high-gain array antenna.

CN116248157A-patent-drawing

13. Compact Bent-Wing Antenna with Windmill Configuration and Coaxial Feed for Broadband Operation

ROHDE & SCHWARZ, ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG, 2022

Compact broadband antenna for vehicles like drones with high bandwidth and low weight. The antenna has multiple wings with bent conductive elements connected together. This windmill-like shape allows a small footprint while radiating over a wide frequency range. The bent elements provide the broadband operation. The wings can be arranged around a central connection point. The antenna can be fed with a coaxial cable connected to the smallest element of each wing. This compact bent-wing antenna design is suitable for integrating broadband communication into small vehicles like drones.

EP4109674A1-patent-drawing

14. Cross Loop Antenna System with Intersecting Single-Fed Loops for UAVs

GoPro, Inc., 2022

An antenna system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a compact, low-profile, omnidirectional antenna that provides good range and reliability. The antenna system uses two intersecting single-fed loops, called a cross loop antenna, with the loops connected by a feed line. The loops are parallel to the ground plane and the bars intersect in the middle. The antenna operates at a wavelength approximately twice the bar length. This configuration provides a resonant, omnidirectional radiation pattern with a small vertical profile. Two of these cross loop antennas can be used on a UAV for reliable communication over a wide range of distances and orientations.

US2022344799A1-patent-drawing

15. Layered Multi-Signal Reception MIMO Antenna for Compact UAV Integration

CHINESE PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY ARMY ARTILLERY AIR DEFENSE ACAD, CHINESE PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY ARMY ARTILLERY AIR DEFENSE ACADEMY, 2022

Miniaturized and low-power-consumption unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) MIMO antenna that allows compact UAVs with improved communication range and throughput. The antenna uses a layered structure inside the UAV body to receive signals. Signals are received sequentially from an outer layer to an inner layer. This allows multiple signals from the environment to be combined coherently to improve SNR and reception sensitivity compared to a single antenna. The layered arrangement reduces the overall antenna size compared to external UAV antennas.

16. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Dual Antenna Array with Signal-Dependent Switching Mechanism

NO 60 INST OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL STAFF, NO.60 INSTITUTE OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL STAFF, 2022

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dual antenna array system that provides full-space coverage while avoiding signal occlusion caused by the UAV body. The system uses a primary tail antenna and a secondary belly antenna that can be switched based on signal quality. The primary tail antenna covers most of the upper and lower halves, while the secondary belly antenna covers the lower half and part of the upper half. This complementary arrangement ensures complete space coverage. The antenna selection is controlled by a switch that switches based on remote control signal quality.

CN114883783A-patent-drawing

17. Retractable Antenna Assembly with Attitude-Compensating Polarization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

Antenna assembly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can maintain reliable communication with remote controls even when the UAV has a changing attitude. The antenna assembly has a retractable mount that can move between an extended position on the UAV and a retracted position inside the UAV body. This allows the antenna to be retracted when the UAV is stored or transported to reduce size, then extended for flight. A reflector inside the UAV body isolates the antenna from electronic components that could degrade lower frequency signals. A phase shifter in the antenna feed circuit adjusts the combined polarization of the antenna elements to match the UAV's attitude-dependent polarization with the fixed polarization of the remote control antenna.

WO2022141510A1-patent-drawing

18. Drone Wing with Rotating Section and Stationary Microstrip Line for Antenna Connectivity

GUANGZHOU XIFEI SCIENCE AND TECH CO LTD, GUANGZHOU XIFEI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

Wing design for drones that enables reliable antenna communication when the drone is in flight. The wing has a rotating section with an antenna assembly mounted on it. A fixed microstrip line is mounted on the wing's arm. The microstrip line connects to the coaxial cable that provides power to the drone. When the wing rotates during flight, the microstrip line stays stationary to maintain the antenna's connection to the coaxial cable, preventing communication interruption. This ensures reliable antenna communication even as the wing rotates.

CN216793979U-patent-drawing

19. Drone Antenna Assembly with LED-Based Active Phased Array for Circular Polarization

SHENZHEN BIG XINJIANG INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TECH LIMITED CO, SHENZHEN BIG XINJIANG INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED CO, 2022

A drone antenna assembly that provides reliable communication and image transmission in dynamic environments where the drone's attitude can change rapidly. The assembly uses a circularly polarized antenna instead of the conventional vertically polarized antenna. Circular polarization ensures consistent signal reception regardless of drone orientation. The circularly polarized antenna can be realized using a light-emitting diode (LED) based active phased array. The LEDs are driven in a specific sequence to generate circular polarization. The LED array allows dynamic adjustment of polarization without mechanical components. This ensures consistent signal reception from the drone's perspective as its orientation changes during flight.

20. Coaxial Cable Antenna System with Shorted Section for Omnidirectional Performance in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

SHENZHEN HABOSEN SCIENCE AND TECH CO LTD, SHENZHEN HABOSEN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

An antenna system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that overcomes the limitations of existing antennas like FPC and copper tube antennas. The system uses a coaxial cable with a shorted section at one end connected to the UAV's circuit board. The other end is fixed to the UAV's body at an angle between 45-135 degrees. This provides omnidirectional antenna performance without disconnecting the signal when the UAV rotates. A ground connection completes the circuit. The shorted coaxial section reduces weight and improves omnidirectionality compared to full-length dipoles.

21. Integrated UAV Antenna within Power Assembly for Reduced Size and Internal Mounting

22. Coaxial Line Antenna System with Short Exposed Element and Angled Mounting for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

23. Wing-Integrated Bidirectional Antenna Array with Curvature-Responsive Radiated Energy Adjustment

24. PCB-Based Helical Dipole Antenna with Opposing Element for UAV Integration

25. Signal Amplifying Antenna Device with Lead Connection for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communication

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