2D Antenna Array Feeding Layout for Narrower Horizontal Beamwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to miniaturize multi-frequency antennas while maintaining their performance, as reducing the width of these antennas increases the horizontal-plane beamwidth, leading to deteriorated radiation performance and increased engineering and construction costs due to the antenna's dimension and weight.

Innovation Solution

A two-dimensional antenna design featuring a reflection panel with at least two antenna arrays, each comprising independent and common radiation units connected to separate feeding networks, which form an array in the horizontal-plane direction to improve radiation performance by reducing the horizontal-plane beamwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the width of a multi-frequency antenna is reduced to miniaturize the antenna, then the antenna dimension and weight are reduced, but the horizontal-plane beamwidth is increased which deteriorates radiation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna dimensionVSAvoidradiation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane horizontal antenna array to a two-dimensional array structure that extends in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows the antenna to achieve the required horizontal-plane beamwidth while maintaining a compact overall footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and radiation performance by utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna array is segmented into multiple columns and rows, with each column containing multiple antenna elements arranged vertically. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each column's radiation characteristics while maintaining the overall two-dimensional structure, enabling the system to achieve narrow horizontal beamwidth through coordinated operation of segmented elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple columns are horizontally arranged to create a multi-frequency antenna, then frequency coverage is extended, but the horizontal dimension and antenna weight are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidantenna weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The two-dimensional antenna array is designed to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously through a unified structural framework. By arranging antenna elements in a two-dimensional grid pattern with appropriate spacing and feeding networks, the system achieves multi-frequency operation without requiring separate horizontal columns for each frequency band, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining adaptability across multiple standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the antenna width is reduced to reduce tower strength requirements, then construction costs are reduced, but the horizontal-plane beamwidth is increased which affects radiation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction costVSAvoidradiation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by extending the antenna structure into the vertical dimension, creating a two-dimensional array that achieves narrow horizontal beamwidth without requiring large horizontal width. This approach reduces the mechanical load on the tower and associated construction costs while maintaining the required radiation performance through optimized vertical element spacing and phase control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design effectively reduces the antenna's dimension while maintaining performance by optimizing the arrangement of radiation units and feeding networks, enhancing radiation performance and reducing construction costs.

Implementation Method 1

Each independent radiation unit in each antenna array is connected to the array feeding network corresponding to the antenna array, each common radiation unit in each antenna array is connected to the common feeding network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

At least two antenna arrays, each comprising independent and common radiation units connected to separate feeding networks, which form an array in the horizontal-plane direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3930099B1Two-dimensional antenna and network device
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3930099B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3930099B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3930099B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A two-dimensional antenna and a network device are provided. The two-dimensional antenna includes: a reflection panel, at least two antenna arrays, at least one common feeding network, and at least two array feeding networks. The at least two antenna arrays are on the reflection panel, and each of the at least two antenna arrays includes at least one independent radiation unit and at least one common radiation unit. Each antenna array is corresponding to one of the array feeding networks, each independent radiation unit in each antenna array is connected to the array feeding network corresponding to the antenna array, each common radiation unit in each antenna array is connected to the common feeding network, and the common feeding network is connected to the array feeding network corresponding to each of the at least two antenna arrays.