Asymmetric Corner Reflector Design for Radar Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional corner reflectors are either oversized and costly or have insufficient performance due to their large volume and high manufacturing costs, and micro corner reflectors struggle with low reflection efficiency, making them unsuitable for accurate radar wave measurement.
Innovation Solution
A corner reflecting device comprising two right triangle plates and a first isosceles right triangle plate, with specific length ratios and leak holes to adapt incident radar wave angles, allowing for improved reflection efficiency and reduced volume, and a system design that can be laid flat on a hillside for enhanced portability and measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the length of the trihedral corner reflector is increased to improve performance, then the reflection efficiency is improved, but the volume increases causing oversized structure and disproportionate cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a symmetric trihedral corner reflector (three equal isosceles right triangle plates) to an asymmetric dihedral corner reflector (two unequal right triangle plates with different leg length ratios). This asymmetric design allows optimization of the effective aperture for specific incident angle ranges while reducing the overall volume and cost compared to the traditional symmetric trihedral design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the corner reflector by specifying that the ratio of the longer leg to the shorter leg of the right triangle plates should be between 1.0 and 2.0. This parameter optimization allows the reflector to maintain high reflection efficiency for incident angles between 15-45 degrees while using smaller plate dimensions, thus reducing volume and cost.
2Measurement precision
If the length of the trihedral corner reflector is increased to improve performance, then the reflection efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric right triangle plates instead of symmetric isosceles triangles, allowing smaller dimensions to achieve the same or better performance for specific incident angle ranges, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the leg length ratio parameter to be between 1.0 and 2.0, the patent achieves cost-effective design that balances performance requirements with manufacturing constraints, avoiding the need for large, expensive structures.
3Volume of moving object
If micro corner reflectors are used to reduce volume, then the volume is decreased, but the reflection amount becomes insufficient making it difficult to distinguish from noise signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of small-scale corner reflectors by setting the leg length ratio between 1.0 and 2.0, which maximizes the effective aperture for typical satellite incident angles (15-45 degrees). This allows micro reflectors to achieve sufficient reflection strength while maintaining small volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric dihedral corner reflector design with optimized parameters provides universal applicability for various satellite remote sensing applications, maintaining effective performance across different incident angle ranges while keeping the structure compact and suitable for deployment in space environments.
4Measurement precision
If traditional corner reflectors are designed for specific incident angles, then the measurement accuracy is improved for those angles, but the adaptability to various satellite incident angle directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the leg length ratio parameter to fall within the range of 1.0 to 2.0, which creates a broad optimal incident angle range of 15-45 degrees. This parameter optimization allows the reflector to maintain high measurement accuracy across multiple satellite orbital configurations and incident angle directions, providing both precision and versatility.
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 solution achieves better reflection efficiency, reduced volume, lower manufacturing costs, and improved measurement accuracy by optimizing the shape and arrangement of corner reflectors to adapt to various satellite incident angles, while also draining water and impurities to prevent measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
A corner reflector is a device that reflects radar waves
Data Source
AI summary
A corner reflecting device has at least one corner reflector. The reflector has a first right triangle plate, a second right triangle plate and a first isosceles right triangle plate, and a shape of the first right triangle plate is the same as a shape of the second right triangle plate, and is not an isosceles right triangle plate. A long leg of the second right triangle plate is connected with a long leg of the first right triangle plate. Two legs of the first isosceles right triangle plate are connected with a short leg of the first right triangle plate and a short leg of the second right triangle plate respectively. An intersection of the first right triangle plate, the second right triangle plate, and the first isosceles right triangle plate forms a leak hole.