Conical Active Antenna Layout for Wide-Angle Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active antennas for fighter jets are limited by their planar configuration, which restricts the utilization of the internal volume of the conical radome, thereby reducing the angular scanning range and capabilities in radar detection, electronic warfare, and telecommunications.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of radiating elements on a non-planar, preferably conical support surface within the radome, utilizing phase compensation to optimize the internal volume and enhance the number and angular coverage of the antenna, with embodiments featuring concentric circular or polygonal rings and inclined elements to compensate for geometric and electronic phase shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If radiating elements are arranged on a planar platform, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the internal volume of the conical radome is not fully utilized and the angular scanning range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from a planar platform to a conical support surface for mounting radiating elements. This curved surface configuration enables the antenna to conform to the conical radome geometry, maximizing internal volume utilization while maintaining a systematic arrangement of elements through concentric rings and spiral patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional conical surface arrangement. By distributing radiating elements along the conical surface with varying radial distances and angular positions, the design exploits the third dimension to increase the effective aperture and angular coverage without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radiating elements are arranged on a conical support surface, then the angular scanning range and radar detection capabilities are increased, but phase compensation is required to maintain radiation pattern quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing position-dependent phase compensation. Each radiating element's phase is adjusted according to its specific location on the conical surface, with phase shifts calculated based on radial distance from the vertex and angular position. This localized phase control maintains coherent radiation patterns across the extended angular scanning range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the phase of each radiating element based on its spatial coordinates on the conical surface. The phase parameter is modified as a function of radial distance and angular position, enabling the array to maintain consistent radiation characteristics while scanning across different angles.
3Power
If additional radiating elements are added to increase EIRP and antenna gain, then the radiation power and detection capability are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by organizing radiating elements into discrete concentric rings with specific numbers of elements per ring. This segmented approach allows systematic placement of elements (e.g., 6 elements in first ring, 12 in second ring) while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly and standardized element configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by arranging radiating elements in concentric rings that are nested within the conical radome structure. Each ring is positioned at a specific radial distance from the vertex, creating a nested configuration that efficiently packs multiple elements within the available volume while maintaining access for manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
Active antenna (300) comprising a plurality of radiating elements (ERij), characterized in that the radiating elements (ERij) are arranged on a non-planar support surface (S') which is inscribed inside a cone (S), a radiating element being positioned at a point (CRij) of the support surface (S') such that a normal direction (Vij) to said radiating element (ERij) forms an angle of inclination with respect to an axis (A) of the cone.