Transformation from a Single Antenna to a Series Array Using Push/Pull Origami

• Main Authors: Syed Imran Hussain Shah, Sungjoon Lim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-08-01
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: push/pull origami; three-dimensional (3D) printing technology; inkjet printing technology; hybrid printing technology
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/17/9/1968

We propose a push/pull origami antenna, transformable between a single antenna element and a three-element array. In limited space, the proposed origami antenna can work as a single antenna. When the space is not limited and a higher gain is required, the proposed origami antenna can be transformed to a series antenna array by pulling the frame. In order to push the antenna array back to a single antenna, the frame for each antenna element size must be different. The frame and supporting dielectric materials are built using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The conductive patterns are inkjet-printed on paper. Thus, the proposed origami antenna is built using hybrid printing technology. The 10-dB impedance bandwidth is 2.5–2.65 GHz and 2.48–2.62 GHz for the single-antenna and array mode, respectively, and the peak gains in the single-antenna and array mode are 5.8 dBi and 7.6 dBi, respectively. The proposed antenna can be used for wireless remote-sensing applications.