Circularly Symmetric Tightly Coupled Dipole Array for UUWB

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manufacturing techniques find it difficult to achieve an ultra-ultra wide band (UUWB) Wavelength Scaled Array (WSA) Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with rotationally symmetric radiation properties in the far field, which is essential for modern sensing and communication systems.

Innovation Solution

The antenna array design features a substrate with circumferentially disposed elements, including first and second members that intersect each other, providing a wavelength scaled array configuration with varying element spacing and curvature, allowing for parasitic cross-polarization cancellation and achieving dual orthogonal linear polarization. This configuration includes printed circuit board elements arranged in opposing pairs with linear and curved members, enabling rotationally symmetric radiation properties and efficient UUWB performance across large bandwidths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manufacturing techniques are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but rotationally symmetric radiation properties cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotationally symmetric radiation propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is divided into multiple subarrays, each containing identical dipole element configurations. This segmentation allows rotationally symmetric radiation properties to be achieved through careful arrangement of standardized units, making the complex symmetric pattern achievable through repeated modular construction rather than custom manufacturing of each element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines curved dipole elements with specific geometric configurations to create composite antenna structures. The curved elements are arranged in patterns that collectively produce rotationally symmetric radiation characteristics, achieving the desired precision through composite geometric design rather than requiring each individual element to be perfectly symmetric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If element spacing and curvature are varied to achieve wavelength scaled array configuration, then UUWB performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUUWB performanceVSAvoidelement spacing and curvature variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies the spacing and curvature parameters of dipole elements according to wavelength scaling principles. By changing these geometric parameters in controlled ways across different frequency bands, the antenna array achieves ultra-wideband performance while maintaining manufacturability through parameterized design rather than arbitrary complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If parasitic cross-polarization cancellation is implemented, then polarization purity is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization purityVSAvoidstructural configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parasitic elements that would normally create harmful cross-polarization effects and instead configures them to produce beneficial polarization cancellation. By strategically positioning and orienting these parasitic elements, the structure converts what would be detrimental cross-polarization into useful polarization purification, achieving high polarization purity through clever structural arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enables the realization of UUWB performance with high polarization purity and near constant radiation properties over large bandwidths, making it suitable for advanced radio frequency (RF) applications, including UUWB signal intelligence and radar systems, while also simplifying manufacturing through the use of subarrays and tile configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The second member is curved. The elements are disposed such that second members of the at least four elements effectively have linear polarization due to parasitic cross polarization cancellation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParasitic cross-polarization cancellation:

Data Source

PatentUS11621500B2Circularly symmetric tightly coupled dipole array

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

An antenna array includes a printed circuit board including printed circuit board elements circumferentially disposed at locations on a surface of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board elements are disposed in opposing pairs at diametrically opposite locations and include a first member and a second member. The first member intersects the second member which is curved. The antenna array can be an ultra-ultra wide band (UUWB) wavelength scaled array (WSA) tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) active electronically scanned array (AESA) aperture.