Blended Reflector Antenna Array for Wideband Sidelobe Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wideband antennas with reflectors suffer from strong sidelobes at ±90 degrees due to the edges acting as radiating sources, limiting accurate and efficient direction finding capabilities while maintaining low space requirements and costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two radiating elements with offset reflectors connected by a double-tangential blended elliptical surface, which creates a smooth surface to avoid re-radiating edges and suppress sidelobes, allowing for accurate and efficient direction finding, especially in wideband applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If edges of reflectors are left sharp or flat, then manufacturing is simpler, but strong sidelobes are generated at ±90 degrees from boresight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved blending surfaces (elliptical and spherical contours) to connect adjacent reflectors, replacing sharp edges with smooth transitions. This curvature eliminates edge diffraction effects that cause sidelobes, while the mathematical definitions of the blending surfaces provide manufacturable precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the reflector surfaces by introducing blending zones with specific elliptical and spherical contours. These parameter changes create continuous surfaces that eliminate discontinuities, thereby suppressing sidelobes while maintaining directional accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If reflectors are blended with smooth surfaces, then sidelobes are suppressed and direction finding accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mathematically defined elliptical and spherical blending surfaces that, while complex in shape, can be manufactured using standard CNC machining or molding techniques. The continuous curvature eliminates the need for complex assembly joints, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges adjacent reflectors into a single continuous structure through blending surfaces, eliminating gaps and joints. This integration reduces assembly complexity and allows the entire reflector array to be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, offsetting the complexity of the curved surfaces.
3Volume of moving object
If space requirements are minimized, then compact antenna design is achieved, but reflector edges become more prominent as radiating sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved blending surfaces in the compact antenna design to eliminate sharp edges that would act as radiating sources. The smooth transitions maintain the compact form factor while suppressing edge diffraction, allowing small antenna volume without compromising performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies blending surfaces specifically at the critical edge regions where diffraction occurs, while maintaining compact overall dimensions. This localized application of curvature eliminates harmful edge effects without requiring excessive space, preserving the compact design.
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 enhances direction finding accuracy and efficiency by preventing re-radiated energy and reducing complexity, while maintaining low space and cost requirements, effectively suppressing sidelobes and adapting to various space needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least two adjacent reflectors of the at least two reflectors are connected with a double-tangential blended elliptical surface
Implementation Method 2
the edges of the reflector act as radiating sources. Disadvantageously, this results in strong sidelobes
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An antenna array (10) is provided. Said antenna array (10) comprises at least two antennas with at least two reflectors (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d). In this context, at least two adjacent reflectors of the at least two reflectors (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are connected with a double-tangential blended elliptical surface (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d).