Final Design Research Articles

Cost and Time Reduction of Industrial Mold Design and Manufacturing by Implementing Additive Manufacturing for Premature Neonatal Prong.

For a long time, molding was one of the most important methods of producing metal, ceramic, and polymer materials. The two essential factors in this method were always cost and time. Technology advancements have made it possible to design in 3D using a computer and additive manufacturing. This article covers methods for using 3D printers to save time and money in the process of creating the final product. The "Prong" molds for premature neonatal respiratory aid were designed and produced based on neonatologists' considerations. The study was conducted on fifteen very low birth neonates at Alzahra Hospital in Tabriz University from September 2017 to September 2019. In the first section, we described dental plaster material for molding. When using this material, the printing material must be selected and the parameters, like melting temperature and printer speed, must be controlled to achieve acceptable quality for the final sample. CAD software can be used to print various objects if the final 3D design is appropriate. We used additive manufacturing technology to create a new design and successfully resolved bubble issues at a low cost through a combination of creativity and experimentation. The new mold has cavities that allow the silicon to occupy the entire space and escape any bubbles. The use of 3D printers allows us to achieve the best design for the prong mold while reducing both production costs and time. The ultimate mold made of aluminum was finally produced by the CNC machine. The final product was tested at Al-Zahra Hospital in Tabriz, Iran, and the results were satisfactory, with no reports of necrosis on the babies' noses.

Co-designed Health Literacy Activities for Children in Primary Schools

Abstract Early exposure to health literacy (HL) and fostering children’s HL development for health promotion purposes is believed to positively influence their ability to lead healthier lives during adulthood (WHO, 2021). Our qualitative study on children’s perspectives on health and HL showed that children perceive health in a broader context emphasizing aspects of everyday life. When engaging with health information, they often encounter irrelevant information and struggle to discern its trustworthiness (van Boxtel et al., in preparation). In this study, we aim to co-design HL activities with children in primary school for the context of health promotion. Children, aged 9-12 years, formed co-design teams and participated in six 1-hour sessions. Initially, they discussed what HL is and selected the most relevant HL skills to address. Through activities like body mapping, they explored ways to learn these skills. Subsequent sessions involved brainstorming ideas for the designing, and prototyping activities. A larger group of children tested these prototypes, followed by evaluations and improvements by the design team. Preliminary results indicate that children prefer designing HL activities that resonate with their everyday experiences. However, they often relied on familiar ideas unless aided to think creatively, therefore we used AI tools for ideation. The final designs, such as life-sized board game about healthy food, show potential to learn HL in schools. Results of the learning outcomes from these activities are pending and will be presented at the conference. Co-designing with children leads to meaningful HL activities that encourage active engagement with health information. This study inspired us to build a toolbox for learning HL skills for children aged 9-12-years-old in primary schools or childcare settings. We also aim to co-design other identified HL skills and competencies from our Delphi study (Van Boxtel et al., in preparation). Key messages • HL activities co-designed by children reflect daily life relevance, fostering deeper engagement and learning. • Using co-design, we enable children to actively engage with health information and learn specific HL skills.

Enhancing instructional design learning: a comparative study of scaffolding by a 5E instructional model-informed artificial intelligence chatbot and a human teacher

ABSTRACT To address the limitations of general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) tools, we developed a task-oriented AI chatbot based on the 5E (i.e. “engage”, “explore”, “explain”, “elaborate” and “evaluate”) model to scaffold students’ instructional design process. We examined the impact of integrating the 5E instructional model-informed AI chatbot on students’ learning performance and perceptions. The results indicated that the AI chatbot, when combined with human teacher scaffolding, significantly improved the students’ instructional design performance relative to receiving human teacher scaffolding only. The chatbot provided valuable suggestions on instructional design frameworks, class activities and teaching topics during the “explore” phase. In the “evaluate” phase, the chatbot offered immediate feedback on the students’ design plans and proposed alternative instructional frameworks regarding areas for improvement. However, the students expressed concerns about the chatbot’s evaluation quality, noting that it needed to be better aligned with the course assessment rubric. We recommend using AI chatbots for instructional design conceptualisation, although we emphasise the critical role of human teachers in evaluating final design work and providing timely support.

School District Discourse Coalitions and Equity-Focused Policy Innovations in Oakland, California 2020–2021

Purpose: To better understand how district leaders at urban school districts innovate and design policies, this study investigated how actors in one district, Oakland Unified School District, discussed ways to improve their education system at school board meetings during 2020 and 2021. Approach: The research used a case study approach to develop a process of inquiry, drawing on theoretical literature on innovation in social fields, empirical work on urban education reforms, and methodological considerations from critical social analysis techniques. It used a variety of qualitative methods to identify critical policy issues and policy innovations, and examined the way actors in two coalitions, each with a different approach to change, used discourse to convey their ideologies about racial equity and justice. Findings: District actors collaboratively designed and passed five innovative policies: school safety, remote learning, climate change, Black reparations, and mental health. While one group, the incumbent discourse coalition, focused attention on fiscal stability and closing underperforming schools, another, the challenger discourse coalition, conveyed strategies on improving schools and surrounding communities through new education policies. Though unexpected crises expedited innovation, the perspectives of the dominant culture were most privileged in the final designs of resolutions. Implications: By using broad theories and generalizable concepts this study shows how discourse in policymaking can be examined in other settings and illustrates ways similar school districts may innovate in their systems.

Simplification of KDS 14 Design Method for Slab–Column Connections Subjected to Unbalanced Moment

The current KDS 14 design method yields reasonable accuracy with acceptable safety in assessing the unbalanced moment-carrying capacity of slab–column connections. However, the model requires considerable computational effort owing to the effects of various design parameters, particularly the gravity-load effect. This study proposes a method to simplify the KDS 14 model to evaluate the unbalanced moment-carrying capacity of slab–column connections. In the proposed method, the gravity-load effect is decoupled from equations used for evaluating unbalanced moment-carrying capacity components. Subsequently, the total unbalanced moment-carrying capacity is determined by establishing an interaction between the gravity shear ratio and unbalanced moment components without considering the gravity-load effect. For practical design purposes, final simplified design equations are proposed. The reliability of the simplified method is validated based on a comparison with the current KDS 14 design code using a comprehensive database encompassing interior, exterior, and corner slab–column connections. Furthermore, a parametric study based on the proposed simplified approach, current design codes, combined with finite-element (FE) analysis is performed to elucidate the effects of constituents on the unbalanced moment-carrying capacity of corner slab–column connections. The results show that the proposed simplified model and KDS design method are strongly correlated with the experimental and FE results for a range of design parameters. Meanwhile, the ACI 318 model consistently provides a lower limit for strength prediction, thus yielding overly conservative and safe results compared with the test and FE results in most cases.

The decriminalization of illicit drugs in British Columbia: a national evaluation protocol

BackgroundOn January 31st, 2023, the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada, was granted a federal exemption allowing adults (aged 18 +) to possess up to 2.5 g of select illicit drugs. The exemption will be in place for three years (2023–2026), marking the first formal decriminalization of illicit drug policy reform in Canada. BC’s decriminalization initiative is premised on several goals. This project seeks to evaluate each of these goals and their individual and combined contributions to determine the overall success of this policy.MethodsThe following protocol paper provides a detailed outline of a five-year (2022-2027) national evaluation of BC’s decriminalization initiative, as well as the specific objectives, methodologies, and planned analyses for eight interrelated sub-studies that comprise the evaluation. These sub-studies fall under the following five topical areas of research: 1) people who use drugs (PWUD), 2) the police and the criminal justice system, 3) the general public, 4) the health services system, and 5) an economic analysis. Additional research activities may also be explored.ResultsThe overall evaluation and specific sub-study designs were informed by intensive stakeholder engagement. The evaluation was developed in collaboration with an international expert committee who came together to undertake a nominal group technique to decide on the final evaluation design and corresponding logic model. The evaluation will also employ an advisory board and individual sub-study working groups comprised of experts and PWUD who will oversee the development and implementation of the overall evaluation as well as each sub-study.DiscussionThis evaluation will draw on implementation science research practices to evaluate and understand the full impacts of this novel drug policy experiment. Results will be widely disseminated through manuscripts, reports, presentations, and infographics, which will be adapted and tailored for specific audiences. The protocol identifies several anticipated challenges and limitations. This evaluation’s evidence-based findings will be poised to offer pivotal insights that can shape and refine the discourse on drug policy and will serve as a critical resource for understanding the multifaceted impacts of decriminalization.

Eye-tracking investigation of emotional feedback to southern Hebei courtyard gates

ABSTRACT The attention of residents has always been drawn to the courtyard gates of rural residential buildings, this is the basis for evaluating the first impression of the countryside by first-time visitors. Using eye-tracking technology, this study measures the pupil diameter, fixation duration, and fixation point of subjects as objective physiological data, Then combined with the results of the subjective satisfaction questionnaire for a comprehensive analysis. The findings showed that, When the subjects evaluated their satisfaction with the courtyard gates, the proportion and color of the modeling elements led to the subjects’ emotional changes, and the subjects focused mainly on the central axis and the connection of various structures with raised areas. In order to elicit positive emotions in the subjects, village gate designs should therefore adhere to the standard specification’s requirements as well as the following: the width of the gate should be 0.8 times the height, the height should be 5 times the width of the gateposts, and the color should match the material’s color. To meet the emotional needs of the visitors, the final design strategy of the proportion and color of rural courtyard gates in southern Hebei Province is proposed.

인구교육을 위한 메모로 프로젝트 수업 설계 모형 개발

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a concrete educational method for effectively implementing population education in schools by designing the Memoro Project instructional design Model. Methods The instructional design model was developed based on the components of the Memoro Project. The initial model was revised through expert review. The revised model was further refined through field validation, leading to the development of the final Memoro Project Instructional Design Model. Results Instructional design model of the Memoro project consists of the stages of pre-analysis, design, preparation, execution, and evaluation. The stages in the design are comprised of memory collection planning, memory collection practice, memory collecting, and memory sharing. This instructional design model were found to enhance intergenerational understanding among students and aid in comprehending the lesson content. Additionally, it provided a positive experience for the elderly. Conclusions Instructional design model of the Memoro project is significant in that it proposes a concrete method for implementing population education in schools. Moreover, it is an effective population education method that can have a positive impact not only on schools but also on society as a whole.

Holistic Approach to the Indian Higher Education System in Design and Sustainability

Sustainability is a need of the hour as we have very limited resources that are to be restored or utilized carefully. One way toward sustainability is through higher education, with awareness, possible ways of using it, and a change in thought process which will lead to minimal wastage of resources. Design decisions based on sustainability are more than using natural resources that are biodegradable. One of the main strategies of green design is to follow the ‘waste hierarchy’. Green materials are designed to be reusable and recyclable, and they degrade naturally at the end of their life, reducing the environmental footprint of the product. In point of fact, design has the power to stoke and encourage innovation. It can also contribute to the shaping of the world on a variety of levels, from materials to products, product service systems, social organizations, and socio-technical systems. Eco-design is a comprehensive and holistic approach to planning activities that emphasizes the welfare of people and the environment as the final design. ‘It focuses on resource efficiency and the use of environmentally friendly materials to develop products and processes’ (Manzini, 2020, Design, When Everybody Designs). Sustainability for design is sometimes referred to as a lifetime configuration approach since it gathers data on the full life cycles of products and their effects on the environment and living beings. The aim of the paper is to be unambiguous as to why sustainable systems should be included in higher education. An endeavor, additionally, had been to summarize the government policies in order to raise awareness for the next generation. Further, data is collected from respondents who belong to the education system for understanding the importance of sustainability in education. From the gathered information, it was observed that every person unconsciously considers sustainability in their day-to-day lives. However, with mindfulness and plan training there will be an impact on the general public for a better future.

Halvorsen chaotic system based microwave absorber modelling for fighter jet stealth technologies

This study focuses on the development and detailed analysis of a broadband microwave absorber utilizing Halvorsen chaotic dynamics, that focuses at enhancing stealth capabilities for fighter jets. The investigation begins by exploring the mathematical formulation of the Halvorsen chaotic system and conducting a parametric sweep of its control parameters to generate distinct two-dimensional and three-dimensional chaotic attractor plots. These plots are then post-processed using Julia set theory to develop intricate fractal patterns, which serve as the foundation for the absorber design. Image processing techniques, including filtering and thresholding, are employed to refine the patterns by removing artifacts and noise, ensuring they are suitable for practical implementation. The refined fractal patterns are then imported into a computational electromagnetic simulation environment where they are patterned onto a 0.035 mm thick copper sheet. Moreover, the Magtrex 555 substrate with a thickness of 1.52 mm, is selected for its high permittivity and low-loss characteristics. A comprehensive series of parametric studies are conducted to evaluate the influence of various design parameters such as side length, unit cell geometry, and substrate thickness on the absorber’s electromagnetic performance. Important parameters include the effects of chaotic control parameter optimization and the electromagnetic boundary conditions applied during the simulations. Extensive simulations are performed across the 2–20 GHz frequency range to evaluate absorption efficiency, focusing on key metrics like absorptivity, surface current distribution, and electric field distribution. The final design achieves over 90 % absorption efficiency within the target frequency band when the chaotic control parameters are optimized. Finally, comparative analysis using different commercially available substrates, including FR-4 and Rogers RO3003, reveals that Magtrex 555 offers superior absorption performance. The study concludes with a detailed presentation of the final absorber design, alongside an indepth discussion of the frequency range, parametric variations, and the impact of chaotic system dynamics on the absorption properties. This research provides crucial insights into the design and optimization of chaotic-system-based microwave absorbers, that advances the development of stealth technology in military applications.

Optimization of the Electron Spectrometer Telescope geometry for the PRESET satellite through Monte Carlo simulation

The Electron Spectrometer Telescope (EST) aboard the PRESET satellite mission aims to measure the pitch angle distribution of 0.3–4 MeV electrons in the outer Van Allen belts. The PRESET satellite is planned to launch into a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit in Q2, 2026. We present comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations to optimize the design and response of the EST instrument. The EST consists of a stack of silicon strip detectors and a collimator to take pitch-angle dependent electron spectral measurements with a target angular resolution of 6° while rejecting the proton, heavy ion and gamma detection events. Various collimator designs and detector stacking configurations are investigated using the Geant4 code to deduce an optimal design and configuration. For validation of the Geant4 simulations, a benchmark test spectrometer was set up using a stack of four silicon detectors and a good agreement between the measured and simulated responses was found for a beta spectrum from a 90Sr/90Y source. The collimator design was optimized by adjusting total length, aperture size, number of view-ports and collimator materials. The optimum aperture size and the number of view-ports were determined by varying them and selecting the best cases that meet the angular resolution and the geometric factor requirements. Moreover, to address the under-utilization of the front position-sensitive detector encountered in a typical pin-hole collimator, two offset collimators with tilted axes were employed. Extensive simulations were carried out by varying the number of silicon detectors and the thickness of each detector to optimize the configuration of the silicon detector stack. An optimum thickness of the front detector was found to be 140 µm, which can minimize the perturbation counts caused by the proton detection events. For the other detectors, a stack of four 1.5 mm thick detectors was chosen to achieve a good sensitivity to low energy electrons at a tolerable complexity of the system. The angular response simulated for the optimum design of the EST showed a resolution of 5.5°, which is slightly better than the target resolution of 6°. The response matrices of the final design simulated for isotropic electron and proton fields showed a high geometric factor, which is expected to produce an average electron counting rate of 230 cps within the trapped region with a negligible contamination of the electron spectrum by protons except for a mild contamination by the 1.0–1.1 MeV protons.

Coal Mine Slope Stability Analysis Using the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Slope Mass Rating (SMR) Method, and Morgenstren-Price Limit Equilibrium for the Low Wall Pit Area Y PT. Bina Sarana Sukses, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra

Open pit mining has a complex connection to excavation and stockpiling operations, which can potentially induce slope instability. The analysis of slope stability is crucial to prevent slope failure, which has the potential to result in major losses. The study on slope stability was performed at the low wall pit Y area of PT. Bina Sarana Sukses site MAS in Lahat Regency. This research aimed to analyze the rock mass classifications, determine the safety factor values, and provide recommendations for mitigating landslide occurrences. The techniques employed in this study include the RMR and SMR methods for assessing the susceptibility of landslides, collectively with the Morgenstern-price limit equilibrium approach for estimating the stability of the slope. Based on the analysis of the rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR), Block B2 exhibits a 20% likelihood of experiencing landslides, specifically due to block joint characteristics. On the other hand, Blocks B4 and B5 show a 40% potential for landslides, primarily associated with flat or wedge-type block joints. The force produced by friction under saturated conditions is comparatively lower than that observed under dry conditions. During the final design phase in 2022, it was observed that Blocks B4 and B5 exhibit critical and dangerous safety factors when saturated. Hence, the proposal has been suggested to enhance slope stability. Further, it is recommended to monitor the geotechnical piles periodically. We hope this research results as a valuable resource for evaluating and assessing slope stability, including artificial and natural slopes.

Design of the Torsional Properties Measurement Stand for Rubber-Metal Elements in Motor Vehicles

Abstract This paper describes design and application of a torsional property measurement stand used for analyzing rubber-metal components. The paper covers mechanical, electrical and control systems. Design of the stand takes into consideration reusing existing components, that come from a measuring stand that was used for analyzing automotive dual-mass flywheels. Paper covers initial design proposal as well as final design in CAD model form and the finished assembled stand. A Section of this paper is dedicated to describing the components and software used to control the stand and collect data from sensor. Programming of the excitation movement cycle in TIA-Portal software is also covered in this section. Lastly it covers experimental analysis. Our findings and evaluation of the machine itself is found in the conclusion chapter.

Weight minimization of train floors with acoustic and structural constraints

For high-speed trains, high noise levels are generated in the bogie from wheel-rail contact and aero-acoustic sources. Manufacturers try to minimize the floor transmission to the interior, e.g. by applying damping layers or by other measures. For vehicle noise control measures, the goal is often to achieve the sound reduction needed at lowest possible mass. Here, an optimization scheme is applied to minimize the mass of an extruded floor panel. Constraints are defined by limiting the maximum local floor deflection from passenger loads according to EN 12663-1 and the A-weighted interior sound level. Recognizing the periodic nature of the floor structure, a Finite Element model of a single periodic cell is set up, using periodic boundary conditions and the floor sound reduction is determined using a Statistical Energy Analysis approach. An analytic beam model is applied to determine the floor deflection from the passenger load. Design solutions meeting the constraints with the smallest possible mass are sought. Starting with a floor structure with 23.3 kg/m2, a final design with 18.0 kg/m2 is reached. In addition, the transmitted sound through the floor is reduced by 8 dBA. Convergence from different starting points is verified.

Optimization of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Based on Response Surface Methodology and NSGA-II.

This study systematically investigated three influential factors-water-to-binder ratio, cement/sand ratio, and steel fiber content-that significantly impact the performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD), 20 carefully designed mix proportions underwent comprehensive experimental testing. Through rigorous statistical analysis, models were established to elucidate the complex relationships between the specified factors and the overall properties of UHPC. Variance analysis reveals significant effects of the three factors on UHPC performance, with workability and compressive strength increasing with higher cement/sand ratios while flexural strength decreases. Moreover, increased water-to-binder ratios exhibit substantial negative impacts on both 28-day compressive and flexural strengths. Despite adversely affecting workability, higher steel fiber dosages contribute positively to mechanical performance. Furthermore, Monte Carlo sampling and the multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) were employed to validate the reliability of the statistical model and to conduct multi-objective optimization. The final UHPC mix design obtained consists of a cement/sand ratio of 1.12, a water/binder ratio of 0.16, and a steel fiber content of 2.94%. Experimental results yielded a slump flow of 802 mm, compressive strength of 122.7 MPa, and flexural strength of 24.3 MPa.

28/38 GHz compact rhombic-shaped antenna for future generations of mobile communications

ABSTRACT It is mandatory for the modern antennas to be designed to operate in the millimetre-wave (mm-wave) range of the electromagnetic spectrum for future generations of mobile communication requires multiband operation of a single antenna. The present work proposes a dual-band antenna to operate at 28 and 38 GHz . The design stages of the proposed antenna and examples of the parametric study performed to arrive at the final antenna design are demonstrated and discussed in detail. The proposed antenna is constructed as a main patch with parasitic element that is capacitively coupled to the main patch through a narrow slot. The main patch is a rhombic-in-shape and excited through a microstrip live with inset feed. This rhombic shaped patch antenna is originally designed to operate at 28 GHz . To achieve the dual-band operation, the geometry of the main patch is modified and is loaded by a parasitic element. The antenna is fabricated for experimental assessment through measurement of the antenna impedance, radiation patterns, maximum gain and radiation efficiency. The proper operation at 28 and 38 GHz is confirmed by experimental verification of the simulation results. Both the simulation and measurements show that the proposed antenna has 50 Ω -matched impedance over the frequency bands 27.7 − 28.4 GHz and 37.7 − 38.4 GHz . The proposed antenna has been designed to enhance the communications system performance when used in the mobile networks through noise rejection by limiting the operation within relatively narrow bands around the resonant frequencies. The values of the maximum gain obtained at 28 and 38 GHz are 6.98 and 8.8 dBi , respectively. The radiation efficiencies of the proposed antenna are 89 % and 87 % , respectively, and the total efficiency is also calculated.

The ATLAS ITk strip detector system for the Phase-II LHC upgrade

ATLAS is currently preparing for the HL-LHC upgrade, with an all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk) that will replace the current Inner Detector. The ITk will feature a pixel detector surrounded by a strip detector, with the strip system consisting of four Barrel layers and six endcap disks. After completion of final design reviews in key areas, such as Sensors, Modules, Front-End electronics and ASICs, a large scale prototyping program has been completed successfully. We present an overview of the Strip System, and highlight the final design choices of sensors, modules and ASICs. We will summarize results achieved during prototyping and the current status of production and pre-production on various detector components, with an emphasis on QA and QC procedures.

Development of the neutral gas diagnostic system for neutral pressure measurements and gas analysis on the SPARC tokamak.

A suite of plasma diagnostics will be installed on the SPARC tokamak to allow for real-time plasma control, an investigation of high-field tokamak physics, and to de-risk the design of ARC, a compact fusion power plant with the aim to supply electricity to the grid. Among these diagnostics is the neutral gas diagnostics system (NTGS), a set of pressure sensors and gas analyzers used to monitor neutral pressure and gas composition for plasma control, optimization of wall conditioning, and helium ash removal, among other measurement functions linked to operational and scientific research needs. While reliable measurements of neutral pressure and gas composition have been fielded on existing magnetic-confinement fusion devices, SPARC represents a step increase in challenge due to its larger power density, higher field, high vacuum vessel bake temperatures, and higher neutron flux environment, as well as a step decrease in the accessibility for maintenance of in-vessel sensors. Multiple sensor types will be employed to have defense-in-depth and mitigate common failure modes. The NTGS system is currently progressing through final design, working to close out decisions using prototyping and analysis, and then moving on to procuring sensors for assembly and installation on SPARC. This paper outlines the current status of the system design and the diagnostic requirements that motivate neutral gas measurements on SPARC, as well as highlights the planned prototyping activities.

KATANA - water activation facility at JSI TRIGA, Part I: Final design and activity calculations

Water as a primary coolant will play an important role in the performance of fusion reactors, as it causes an ionising radiation field throughout the facility after its irradiation and activation and requires improved shielding for instruments and personnel. To support ITER, the KATANA irradiation facility, which utilises a closed-water activation loop, was built, licenced and commissioned in early 2024 at the TRIGA research reactor at the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia.A comprehensive overview of the KATANA irradiation facility, which serves as a well-defined and stable high-energy γ and neutron source, is given, including the final design, experimental set-up, detector systems and overall timeline. The physical characteristics of KATANA were assessed by analyses of neutron transport simulations leading to activity calculations in connection with a conventional analytical approach, without using CFD calculations. The KATANA facility demonstrated the desired operational characteristics in terms of high and stable water flow rates, leading to high activity values of the observed isotopes 16N, 17N and 19O, which is essential for minimising experimental uncertainties.The preliminary calculations provided in-depth operational knowledge and important data for the KATANA facility, forming a basis for more advanced future experiments.

Compact and high isolated microstrip patch antenna system for full-duplex/MIMO applications

This paper presents a two-port microstrip patch antenna system with compact size and high isolation for full-duplex and multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) applications. The proposed miniaturization approach is to employ compact microstrip patch antenna and decoupling network as well. Here, two quarter-wavelength patch antennas are arranged in the H-plane coupled configuration with element spacing of about 0.008 λ at the center operating frequency. Besides, a defected ground structure is chosen as the decoupling network, which doesn't require any additional space and contributes to significantly reducing the overall antenna dimensions. The final antenna design with compact size of 0.49 λ × 0.37 λ × 0.01 λ has operating band from 2.45 to 2.48 GHz, in which isolation is better than 30 dB and the maximum isolation is 42 dB. Besides, the proposed antenna also achieved comparable gain of 3.8 dBi and good diversity performance. In comparison with other related works, the proposed design has smallest overall size with extremely small element spacing while obtaining comparable isolation enhancement.