Cylindrical Luneburg Lens Antenna for Wide-Angle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Luneburg lens antenna devices lack the capability for wide-angle scanning and the formation of multiple beams, and require additional support structures for signal extraction, which complicates their configuration and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical Luneburg lens with a radial distribution of dielectric constants and an array antenna comprising patch antennas on its surface, where the array antenna is formed in a range of 1/2 or smaller of the lens's peripheral direction, allowing for beams with low sidelobes and multiple beam formation, and the antenna elements are operated independently to simplify signal extraction and scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spherical Luneburg lens is used, then the antenna can receive radio waves from satellites, but additional support structures are required for cable extraction which complicates the configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna elements into multiple independent columns disposed at different positions on the cylindrical surface. Each column can be independently connected to signal extraction points, eliminating the need for complex cable routing through the lens center. This segmentation allows straightforward signal extraction while maintaining the lens's focusing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional spherical Luneburg lens where cables must pass through the interior, the patent inverts the approach by using a cylindrical lens with antenna elements arranged on its surface. This inversion allows cables to be connected externally along the cylindrical surface, simplifying the configuration and eliminating the need for internal support structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are disposed at different positions of focal points, then multiple beams can be formed, but the array antenna requires precise positioning which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different local properties to different regions of the cylindrical lens surface. Antenna elements at different angular positions around the cylinder are configured to form beams in different directions. This local differentiation allows multiple beam formation while the cylindrical geometry provides natural reference points that simplify positioning accuracy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the cylindrical geometry to transform the positioning problem. Instead of requiring precise radial positioning as in spherical lenses, the cylindrical form allows positioning to be defined by angular parameters around the circumference, which are easier to manufacture and measure with standard tolerances.
3Area of stationary object
If the array antenna covers the entire peripheral range of the lens, then complete signal coverage is achieved, but beam scanning range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam scanning by electronically controlling the phase and amplitude of signals fed to antenna elements at different angular positions around the cylindrical lens. This allows the beam direction to be dynamically adjusted without physically moving the antenna structure, achieving wide scanning capability while maintaining full peripheral coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional circular array wrapped around the cylindrical lens. This dimensional change provides additional degrees of freedom for beam steering, allowing scanning in multiple directions while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the focal surface.
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 wide-angle scanning and the formation of beams with high gain and different directivity patterns, simplifying the configuration and enhancing the antenna's ability to extract signals efficiently compared to spherical designs.
Implementation Method 1
a Luneburg lens that is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a distribution of different dielectric constants in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
Luneburg lens that is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a distribution of different dielectric constants in a radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A Luneburg lens antenna device (1) includes a Luneburg lens (2) and an array antenna (6). The Luneburg lens (2) is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes three dielectric layers (3) through (5) having different dielectric constants and stacked on each other in the radial direction. The array antenna (6) includes plural antenna elements (7A) through (7C) disposed on an outer peripheral surface (2A) of the Luneburg lens (2) and at different positions of focal points in the peripheral direction and in the axial direction of the Luneburg lens (2). The array antenna (6) is provided in a range which is 1/2 or smaller of the entire range of the Luneburg lens (2) in the peripheral direction.