3D Conical Radiating Elements for Broadband Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays are primarily narrowband and flat, limiting their operational bandwidth and versatility in applications such as satellite and military communications.
Innovation Solution
Development of three-dimensional (3D) radiating elements, including conical elements made from conductive materials like copper and silver, integrated into antenna arrays using 3D printing and metallization, with optional substrates to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional flat antenna arrays are used, then manufacturing is simple, but bandwidth is narrow (around 6%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat antenna elements to three-dimensional radiating elements with conical shapes extending perpendicular to the ground plane. This dimensional change enables broadband operation by creating multiple resonant modes across different frequencies, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and bandwidth enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining dielectric substrates with metallic conductive materials (copper, silver, aluminum, gold, platinum, palladium, or steel) to form 3D radiating elements. This composite approach maintains ease of manufacture through standardized materials while achieving broadband performance through the interaction of multiple material properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 3D radiating elements are implemented, then bandwidth increases significantly, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls structural complexity by systematically varying key parameters of the 3D radiating elements, such as cone height (0.05λ to 0.5λ), base diameter (0.2λ to 0.5λ), and tip diameter (0.02λ to 0.1λ), rather than introducing entirely new complex geometries. This parameter-based approach achieves broadband performance while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D radiating elements are segmented into standardized components: a base section attached to the ground plane, a conical or frustoconical intermediate section, and optionally a tip section. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing modular construction and assembly of complex 3D structures from simpler components.
3Device complexity
If conventional narrowband arrays are used, then design is straightforward, but operational versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D radiating elements are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide broadband frequency operation, maintain directional radiation patterns, and can be integrated with standard feed structures. This multi-functionality achieves operational versatility without significantly increasing design complexity, as the same basic 3D element geometry serves all these purposes.
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
The 3D radiating elements enable broadband operation with significantly wider bandwidth, improving efficiency and gain performance, suitable for diverse communication systems including 5G and satellite communications.
Implementation Method 1
An array can include a ground plane and a plurality of radiating elements disposed thereon... The array can be a reflectarray or a transmitarray
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna arrays with three-dimensional (3D) radiating elements are provided, as well as methods of manufacturing and methods of using the same. An array can include a ground plane and a plurality of radiating elements disposed thereon, and at least a portion of the radiating elements of the plurality of radiating elements can be 3D radiating elements. The array can optionally include a substrate disposed on the ground plane and having holes for the radiating elements. The 3D radiating elements can include, for example, conical elements such as a hollow conical element, a full conical element, a hollow and discretized conical element, or a combination thereof.