Dielectric Lens Antenna for Low-Weight Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar and RF communication systems require large, expensive, and power-intensive steerable antennas, which are not suitable for applications like aircraft where low-cost, low-power, and low-size solutions are needed.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric lens antenna design incorporating a patch antenna element, microstrip transmission line, ground plane, and waveguide with a dielectric lens, which reduces polarization loss and improves radiation performance, fabricated using additive or subtractive methods, and eliminates the need for coaxial adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically-scanned or electronically steerable antennas are used to achieve steerable beams, then beam steering capability is improved, but size, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems and complex electronically steerable arrays with a simple feed horn antenna combined with a dielectric lens. The beam steering is achieved by physically rotating the entire antenna assembly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning mechanisms or electronic phase shifting networks, thereby reducing size and weight while maintaining steerable capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional steerable antenna systems. By using a simple feed horn without complex feeding networks, phase shifters, or multiple antenna elements, the design removes the bulk and weight associated with these components while retaining the essential beam steering function through physical rotation
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically-scanned or electronically steerable antennas are used to achieve steerable beams, then beam steering capability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, easily manufactured components including a simple feed horn antenna, a dielectric lens made from common materials, and a rotating mount. These components can be manufactured using standard machining and molding techniques, avoiding the need for expensive precision electronics, phase shifters, or complex assembly processes required by traditional steerable antenna systems
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts and eliminates costly components such as electronic phase shifters, signal distribution networks, and complex feeding systems. By relying on a simple rotating mechanism and passive dielectric lens, the system achieves beam steering at a fraction of the cost of electronically steerable arrays
3Loss of energy
If a slot aperture is added to the patch antenna element, then polarization loss is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slot aperture at a specific location on the patch antenna element to create local electromagnetic field distribution that reduces polarization loss. This localized modification optimizes the radiation characteristics without requiring complex changes to the overall antenna structure, maintaining simplicity while improving performance
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 design achieves improved radiation performance, reduced size, weight, and cost, while maintaining efficient signal propagation and impedance matching, as demonstrated by increased antenna gain and reduced return loss.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric lens is disposed in the distal aperture... The dielectric lens improves the radiation performance of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
The patch antenna element is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the microstrip transmission line through the slot aperture
Implementation Method 3
The waveguide includes a proximal aperture attached to the top surface and enclosing the patch antenna element... The waveguide is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the patch antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) antenna including a patch antenna element, a microstrip transmission line, a ground plane, a waveguide, and a dielectric lens. The patch antenna element is disposed on a top surface of a first substrate of the RF antenna, and includes a slot aperture through which the patch antenna element is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the microstrip transmission line. The microstrip transmission line is disposed between the first substrate and a second substrate. The ground plane is disposed on a third substrate. The microstrip transmission line is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the ground plane. The waveguide includes a proximal aperture attached to the top surface and enclosing the patch antenna element. The waveguide includes a distal aperture opposite the proximal aperture, and the waveguide is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the patch antenna element. The dielectric lens is disposed in the distal aperture.