Flexible Coplanar Waveguide Antenna for Narrow-Frame Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antennas have a large frame size, which hinders miniaturization and splicing applications due to the need for a large step region for coaxial cable connectors, limiting their compactness and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The antenna design incorporates a flexible coplanar waveguide that electrically connects between the coaxial cable connector and the feed network, eliminating the need for a large step region and allowing for a narrower frame by transmitting electrical signals through the flexible waveguide, thereby reducing the antenna's size and facilitating splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial cable connector is used to feed electrical signals to the phased array antenna, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but a large step region is required which increases the frame size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible coplanar waveguide as an intermediary component between the coaxial cable connector and the phased array antenna. This waveguide acts as a mediator that transforms the signal feeding structure, allowing compact integration while maintaining reliable electrical signal transmission to all antenna elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar connector layout to a three-dimensional flexible coplanar waveguide structure. By utilizing vertical stacking and flexible routing in multiple layers, the signal feeding path is optimized to minimize the horizontal step region footprint while maintaining reliable electrical connections
2Ease of operation
If a large step region is provided for coaxial cable connectors, then easy connection and signal feeding is achieved, but the frame size increases which hinders miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal feeding function into modular components: a compact coaxial cable connector interface, a flexible coplanar waveguide with multiple signal paths, and integrated feed networks for each antenna element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving easy connection while minimizing overall frame size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible coplanar waveguide structure that can be bent and routed to accommodate compact frame designs. This flexible transmission line structure maintains electrical signal integrity while adapting to small form factors, enabling easy signal feeding without requiring large step regions
3Area of stationary object
If the frame size is reduced for miniaturization, then compactness is improved, but splicing applications become difficult due to insufficient step region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the phased array antenna with a universal flexible coplanar waveguide interface that can serve multiple functions: signal feeding, phase shifting, and splicing connections. This multi-functional design enables the compact antenna to maintain adaptability for various splicing applications without requiring large frame dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the flexible coplanar waveguide is integrated within the compact frame, with feed networks and antenna elements arranged in layered configurations. This nesting allows sufficient connection regions to be accommodated within the reduced frame size while maintaining splicing capability
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
This design achieves a narrower frame size, enabling miniaturization of devices and easier splicing between antennas, while maintaining effective signal transmission and phase shifting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible coplanar waveguide is electrically connected to the feed network and configured to feed an electrical signal to the feed network
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric constant of the dielectric functional layer is changed so as to change a phase of the electrical signal transmitted through the transmission electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an antenna. The antenna includes a first metal electrode, a second metal electrode, and a dielectric functional layer. The first metal electrode and the second metal electrode are located on two opposite sides of the dielectric functional layer, respectively; and the first metal electrode includes a plurality of transmission electrodes. The antenna further includes a flexible coplanar waveguide and a feed network. The flexible coplanar waveguide is electrically connected to the feed network and configured to feed an electrical signal to the feed network.