Dielectric Antenna Stepped Impedance Converter for Compact Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dielectric antennas face a trade-off between achieving a narrow main radiation direction and a compact design, as a narrow directional characteristic requires a large aperture, which contradicts the need for a compact form factor, especially in level measurement technology where installation constraints limit the antenna's size and lead to parasitic reflections.
Innovation Solution
The dielectric antenna incorporates a stepped impedance converter principle in its radiation section, allowing for mode-pure excitation and variability in length, with a non-linear inner contour in the second transition section and a metallic horn attachment to enhance directivity and reduce reflections, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the aperture of the radiation section is increased to achieve a narrow main radiation direction, then the directivity is improved, but the antenna extension perpendicular to the main radiation direction increases, contradicting the compact design requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple sections with different functions: a feed section, a first transition section with a dielectric rod, a second transition section forming a dielectric horn, and a radiation section. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, enabling compact overall design while achieving narrow beamwidth through the horn section's geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple rod geometry to a horn geometry in the second transition section, adding dimensional complexity to the radiation structure. This dimensional change allows the aperture to be effectively increased in the radiation direction without proportionally increasing the overall antenna footprint, thereby achieving narrow beamwidth in a compact form
2Length of moving object
If the antenna length is increased to achieve a flat phase front for narrow directional characteristic, then the directivity is improved, but the compact design requirement is contradicted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the horn section geometry, specifically using a non-linear inner contour that opens increasingly in the radiation direction. This parameter optimization allows the phase front to be flattened with a shorter antenna length compared to linear horn designs, achieving narrow beamwidth while maintaining compact volume
3Length of moving object
If the geometric aperture is increased to achieve narrow main radiation direction, then the directivity is improved, but the antenna can no longer penetrate into the volume to be monitored through existing tank openings and nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by concentrating the aperture function specifically in the horn section rather than uniformly across the entire antenna. This allows the critical aperture area to be optimized for narrow beamwidth while the overall antenna diameter remains small enough to fit through standard tank openings and nozzles, maintaining installation adaptability
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 high directivity and reduced reflections, enabling efficient level measurement with improved bundling properties and minimal interference, allowing the antenna to be adapted to various installation situations with minimal loss and low reflection.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic wave guided by the waveguide propagates via the dielectric feed section into the first transition section comprising the dielectric rod
Implementation Method 2
the radiation section designed as a dielectric tube towards the free space is designed as a stepped impedance converter according to the principle of a quarter-wave transformer
Implementation Method 3
the first transition section and the second transition section receiving electromagnetic radiation can be guided
Data Source
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AI summary
A dielectric antenna (1) is described and illustrated, comprising a dielectric feed section (2), a first transition section (3) including a dielectric rod, a second transition section (4) forming a dielectric horn, and a dielectric radiating section (5). The feed section (2) can be supplied with electromagnetic radiation (6), the first transition section (3) and the second transition section (4) can guide electromagnetic radiation (6), and the electromagnetic radiation (6) can be radiated from the radiating section (5) as a free-space wave. The radiating section (5) is designed as a dielectric tube with an outer diameter adjoining the second transition section (4).The object of the present invention is to provide a dielectric antenna that can be adapted to various installation situations with minimal loss, and which is also highly directional and exhibits minimal reflection. This object is achieved in the aforementioned dielectric antenna by designing the radiating section (5), which is configured as a dielectric tube, as a stepped impedance converter (19) based on the principle of a quarter-wave transformer.