Array Antenna Miniaturization via Shared Parasitic Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antennas face challenges in miniaturization and increased beam scanning angles due to the configuration of fed and non-fed elements, which also limits their bandwidth and thickness.
Innovation Solution
The array antenna configuration includes fed elements arranged in a plane with non-fed elements sandwiched between them, with at least one non-fed element shared by two adjacent fed elements, and feed lines positioned to excite the fed elements orthogonally, allowing for multi-resonance and reduced element spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If non-fed elements are provided on both sides of fed elements in each patch antenna, then antenna gain is improved, but array size increases and beam scanning angle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the non-fed elements from adjacent patch antennas by positioning them to be shared between neighboring fed elements. Specifically, the non-fed element between two fed elements serves both patch antennas simultaneously, reducing the total number of non-fed elements required and thereby minimizing the array size while maintaining the gain-enhancing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Each non-fed element is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a parasitic element for both adjacent fed elements, contributing to antenna gain for both patch antennas. This multi-functional design allows a single non-fed element to provide gain enhancement for multiple fed elements, reducing the overall element count and array footprint.
2Power
If non-fed elements are provided on both sides of fed elements, then antenna gain is improved, but beam scanning angle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging non-fed elements between adjacent fed elements, the patent reduces the periodicity of the array structure. This reduced periodicity allows for wider beam scanning angles while still maintaining the gain enhancement provided by the parasitic elements, as the merged configuration creates a more compact effective unit cell.
3Power
If each patch antenna has independent non-fed elements, then antenna gain is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines non-fed elements that would otherwise be separate for each patch antenna into shared structures between adjacent fed elements. This merging reduces the total count of discrete elements from what would be required for independent patch antennas, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If fed elements are placed close to each other for miniaturization, then array size is reduced, but bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes electromagnetic resonance (analogous to mechanical vibration principles) by introducing non-fed parasitic elements that resonate at the operating frequency. These resonating elements enhance the electromagnetic field interaction, allowing the fed elements to be placed closer together while maintaining adequate bandwidth through the resonant coupling provided by the shared non-fed elements.
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 achieves miniaturization, increased beam scanning angles, and expanded bandwidth, enabling more efficient operation as a phased array antenna with reduced dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
By loading a fed element of such a patch antenna with non-fed elements (parasitic elements) to generate multi-resonance, it is possible to increase the band width of the patch antenna
Implementation Method 2
the reflected waves resonate at the location of the parasitic slits and re-radiated. The presence of the parasitic slits contributes to increased antenna gain
Implementation Method 3
reflected waves reflected by the conductor plate
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of fed elements arranged in a first direction is provided within the plane of a substrate. A plurality of non-fed elements is provided to sandwich at least one of the plurality of fed elements. The plurality of non-fed elements are loaded to the plurality of fed elements. At least one of the plurality of non-fed elements is provided between two of the plurality of fed elements arranged in the first direction. The at least one of the plurality non-fed elements is shared by the two of the plurality of non-fed elements that are adjacent to each other in the first direction. This configuration provides an array antenna that is suited for miniaturization and capable of achieving increased beam scanning angle.