Concentric Hemispherical GRIN Lens for Compact EM Signal Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic signal lenses, such as those using dish structures or ring-based lenses, are often large, heavy, and costly, leading to signal quality degradation and reduced focusing ability, particularly in applications requiring high-gain far-field patterns.
Innovation Solution
A gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens is designed using concentric hemispherical refractive structures with different effective refractive indices, manufactured through additive processes like 3D printing, allowing for a compact, lightweight, and inexpensive solution with enhanced focusing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dish structures or traditional lenses are used to focus EM signals, then signal focusing capability is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple discrete refractive elements arranged in concentric rings. Each ring acts as an independent refractive structure with specific spacing and dimensions, allowing the lens to achieve focusing capability through distributed segmentation rather than a monolithic structure, thereby reducing weight while maintaining optical function
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens have different refractive properties. The concentric rings are positioned at specific distances from the optical axis with varying spacings and thicknesses, creating local variations in refractive index that optimize signal focusing at different radial positions while minimizing overall material usage and weight
2Reliability
If dish structures or traditional lenses are used to focus EM signals, then signal focusing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens comprises multiple discrete rings that can be manufactured separately using conventional machining or molding techniques, then assembled together. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes, reduced material waste, and easier quality control compared to fabricating a solid dish structure or traditional lens, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
Each ring is designed with specific local geometric parameters (spacing, thickness, radial position) that can be optimized independently during manufacturing. This modular approach with localized properties enables cost-effective production through standardized ring components that can be mass-produced and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
3Weight of stationary object
If lens size is reduced, then weight and cost are reduced, but signal gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens uses a segmented ring structure where multiple discrete rings work together to provide signal focusing. This segmentation allows the lens to achieve high signal gain through constructive interference and focused energy concentration at the focal point, while the overall lens diameter can be kept compact since the rings are distributed throughout the volume rather than requiring a large solid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric rings are positioned at optimized local distances from the optical axis with specific spacings and thicknesses tailored to maximize signal focusing efficiency. This local optimization of geometric parameters ensures high signal gain is achieved within a compact form factor, as each ring contributes maximally to the focusing effect without requiring excessive lens diameter or weight
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 GRIN lens achieves a tightly focused, high-gain far-field pattern in a compact and lightweight package, improving signal quality and reducing manufacturing costs compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a first hemispherical refractive structure having a first effective refractive index based on a first fill pattern of the first hemispherical refractive structure. The lens further includes a second hemispherical refractive structure having a second effective refractive index based on a second fill pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A lens includes a first hemispherical refractive structure having a first effective refractive index based on a first fill pattern of the first hemispherical refractive structure. The lens further includes a second hemispherical refractive structure having a second effective refractive index based on a second fill pattern of the second hemispherical refractive structure. The second hemispherical refractive structure is arranged as a hemispherical shell coupled to and concentric with the first hemispherical refractive structure. The second effective refractive index is different than the first effective refractive index.