Circular HF Antenna Array for Compact Gain and Placement Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high frequency (HF) communication and radar detection systems require large, multiple-element antenna arrays that are difficult to relocate and easily detectable, posing challenges in size, mobility, and surveillance.
Innovation Solution
A compact, transportable HF system with a circular array of antennas, each with a radiating element less than half the wavelength, allowing for increased gain by adding more elements while maintaining a resilient radiation pattern and tolerating placement errors, and a hub for signal control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple-element antenna arrays are used to maintain efficiency at HF frequencies, then system performance is improved, but system size and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the antenna array into multiple individual antenna elements that can be independently positioned around a circular perimeter. Each element operates semi-independently while contributing to the overall system performance, allowing the array to achieve desired radiation patterns and gain without requiring a large linear footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or planar antenna arrays to a circular array configuration. By arranging elements around a circular perimeter rather than in a linear sequence, the system achieves better spatial distribution and radiation characteristics within a compact footprint, effectively utilizing two-dimensional space more efficiently
2Stability of the object's composition
If antenna arrays are spread over large distances, then radiation pattern control is improved, but relocateability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable antenna elements that can be dynamically positioned and configured. The circular array design allows elements to be relocated along the perimeter while maintaining proper spacing and phase relationships, enabling the radiation pattern to be controlled and adjusted even as the physical location changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electronic control of antenna element parameters such as phase, amplitude, and timing to maintain radiation pattern integrity during relocation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on the array's new position and configuration, the system preserves radiation pattern control without being constrained by fixed large-distance spacing
3Loss of energy
If traditional large antenna elements are used, then transmission efficiency is improved, but detectability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the total radiating function across multiple smaller antenna elements rather than using one or few large elements. Each individual element has a small footprint that is difficult to detect, but collectively they achieve the required transmission efficiency through coordinated operation and array gain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the radiating output of multiple small antenna elements through constructive interference and phased array techniques. By merging their individual contributions with proper phase and amplitude control, the system achieves transmission efficiency comparable to large elements while maintaining the low-profile advantage of small elements
4Power
If more antenna elements are added to increase gain, then system gain is improved, but array complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical, standardized antenna element designs that perform multiple functions: each element contributes to gain, provides spatial diversity, and can be independently controlled for beam forming. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture despite having multiple elements, as all elements share the same design and control interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the complexity of managing multiple elements through electronic parameter adjustment rather than physical reconfiguration. By changing electrical parameters such as phase shift, amplitude weighting, and timing delays, the system can optimize gain and radiation patterns without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the array
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable, resilient, high frequency system with a compact footprint is provided. The system may include a plurality of antenna elements arranged around a circle. A circular array provides a resilient radiation pattern that does not change based on the number of antennas in the array and is tolerant of errors in antenna placement. The gain of the system may be increased by increasing the number of antenna elements in the array to compensate for reduced efficiency of antenna elements having a radiating element with a length of less than half the wavelength of an operating frequency of the array.