Monolithic Connected Dielectric Resonator Array for Broadband Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) arrays face limitations such as limited bandwidth, efficiency, and gain, along with complex and costly multilayer designs that are difficult to produce using modern manufacturing techniques like 3D printing.
Innovation Solution
A connected dielectric resonator antenna array (connected-DRA array) is developed, featuring a plurality of DRAs with non-gaseous dielectric material, where each DRA is physically connected via a thin connecting structure formed from the same dielectric material, creating a single monolithic portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multilayer and multi-patch designs are employed to improve bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dielectric resonator antenna elements into a single monolithic structure formed from one continuous piece of dielectric material. This merging approach achieves the desired bandwidth performance while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate layers and patches, directly resolving the contradiction between bandwidth improvement and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic dielectric structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the resonant elements, the connecting structures, and the substrate integration all in one component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate multilayer assemblies, achieving bandwidth enhancement without increasing device complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multilayer designs are used to improve bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all antenna elements and connecting structures into a single monolithic dielectric component, the patent enables manufacturing through modern additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. This eliminates the complex assembly processes required for multilayer designs, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining bandwidth performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the dielectric material properties and single-piece geometry to achieve broadband performance. This allows the antenna to be manufactured as one integrated component using modern fabrication methods, rather than requiring precise assembly of multiple layers, thereby improving manufacturability.
3Reliability
If individual DRAs are positioned precisely to achieve optimal array performance, then antenna gain is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all DRA elements and their interconnections into a single monolithic structure where relative positioning is inherently fixed during the manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for post-manufacturing alignment and assembly, achieving optimal array performance without imposing stringent positioning precision requirements on the manufacturing process.
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 connected-DRA array achieves broad bandwidths (greater than 50%) and balanced gain by varying dielectric constants across layered shells, while also simplifying production and reducing costs through the use of modern manufacturing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs), each of the plurality of DRAs comprising at least one volume of non-gaseous dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A connected-DRA array including: a plurality of DRAs each having at least one volume of non-gaseous dielectric material; each of the plurality of DRAs having a proximal end and a distal end, and an overall height, H, from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein each of the plurality of DRAs is physically connected to at least one other of the plurality of DRAs via a relatively thin connecting structure being relatively thin as compared to an overall outside dimension of one of the plurality of DRAs, each connecting structure having a cross sectional overall height, h, as observed in the elevation view of the connected-DRA array, that is less than the overall height, H, of a respective connected DRA and being formed of a thin sheet of the at least one volume of non-gaseous dielectric material; wherein the thin sheet extends over a substantial portion of the connected-DRA array as observed in a plan view of the connected-DRA array.