Antenna System with Angled Reflection Elements for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems face challenges in achieving high antenna gain value and beam coverage rate while maintaining a small volume and low cost, particularly in supporting Multi-input Multi-output (MIMO) communication technology, with panel-type antennas having narrow beamwidth and lacking adaptive beam alignment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The antenna system comprises two complex antennas with reflection elements and antenna arrays disposed at an included angle, coupled with a feeding device that alternately outputs radio-frequency signals and adjusts phases to enhance beam characteristics, providing a 4×4 MIMO function and increasing beam coverage in both vertical and horizontal planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a panel-type antenna is used, then the structure is less complex and cost is reduced, but the beamwidth in the horizontal plane is narrow and beam coverage rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple antenna units (first antenna unit with first reflection element and first antenna array, second antenna unit with second reflection element and second antenna array), each handling specific beam directions. This segmentation allows broader overall beam coverage while keeping individual units relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna units are combined to form an integrated antenna system that provides both high beam coverage rate and adaptive beam alignment capabilities. The merging of multiple units with different beam characteristics achieves the desired performance without requiring a single complex antenna structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a driving motor is added to align the panel-type antenna, then adaptive beam alignment capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and installation restrictions are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical driving motor system is replaced with an electronic phase control system. The feeding device adjusts the phase of radio-frequency signals to achieve beam alignment electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical motors while maintaining adaptive beam alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the phase parameter of the radio-frequency signals to achieve beam alignment. By adjusting phase parameters electronically rather than mechanically, the system achieves adaptive beam alignment without motors, reducing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex antenna of cylindrical radome is used, then no driving motor is required, but the antenna has larger volume and lower antenna gain value
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system uses multiple compact antenna units arranged in a planar configuration rather than a single large cylindrical radome. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comparable or superior performance with reduced overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna units are arranged in a two-dimensional planar layout with reflection elements positioned at specific angles (e.g., 90 degrees apart), transitioning from a three-dimensional cylindrical structure to a more space-efficient planar configuration that achieves the same functional goals with smaller volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If phase switching is applied to change beam characteristics, then beam coverage rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding device performs multiple functions: it provides radio-frequency signals to antenna units, switches between different units, and adjusts phase parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving broad beam coverage.
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 configuration effectively improves antenna gain value and beam coverage rate, reduces size and cost, and supports broad band applications, achieving high performance in wireless communication systems without the need for a cylindrical radome or driving motors.
Implementation Method 1
a first complex antenna, comprising a first reflection element, a first antenna array and a second antenna array, wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are disposed on the first reflection element
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system for receiving and transmitting wireless signals includes a first complex antenna including a first reflection element, a first antenna array and a second antenna array; a second complex antenna including a second reflection element, a third antenna array and a fourth antenna array, wherein the first reflection element and the second reflection element are fixed to form an included angle to each other; and a feeding device, coupled to the first complex antenna and the second complex antenna, for alternately outputting radio-frequency signals to the first complex antenna and the second complex antenna, to emit wireless signals via the first complex antenna and the second complex antenna, and switching phases of the radio-frequency signals outputted to the first complex antenna and the second complex antenna, to change characteristics of beam generated by the first complex antenna and the second complex antenna in a vertical plane.