Dielectric Lens Array Antenna for Aerial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems lack the ability to dynamically control beam patterns to optimize directional gain and reduce interference from unwanted signals, as they typically rely on fixed shapes or arrays that cannot be adjusted.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system featuring an array of independently controllable dielectric lenses that can be configured to produce various beam patterns, including focused and broad beams, allowing for dynamic adjustment of lens positions to achieve desired directional gain and adapt to changing signal strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed array of lenses is used, then the antenna system has a defined shape and structure, but it cannot dynamically adjust beam patterns or adapt to changing signal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lens array adjustable and reconfigurable. Each lens element can be independently positioned to change the beam pattern dynamically. This allows the antenna system to adapt to different signal conditions, directions, and communication requirements without being fixed in a single configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens array into individually controllable lens elements. Each lens can be independently adjusted to contribute to different beam patterns or directions. This segmentation enables fine-grained control over the beam formation, allowing complex adaptability through coordinated adjustment of multiple simple lens elements rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
2Reliability
If multiple transceiver electronics are used to achieve high-gain performance, then directional control is improved, but the system becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic beam forming systems with a mechanical/optical approach using adjustable dielectric lenses. Instead of using multiple transceiver electronics and complex signal processing to achieve directional control, the system uses physically adjustable lenses that passively shape and direct electromagnetic waves. This substitution reduces electronic complexity while maintaining or improving directional gain control through optical/mechanical means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single dielectric lens is used, then the antenna system is simple in structure, but it cannot produce multiple beam patterns or provide dynamic directional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single lens array structure universal and multi-functional by enabling independent adjustment of each lens element. The same physical lens array can be configured to produce different beam patterns (focused, broad, directional) depending on the positioning of individual lenses. This multi-functionality allows one structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized antenna systems, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 solution enables the antenna system to efficiently direct electromagnetic waves in multiple directions, maintaining optimal signal links and reducing interference, while allowing for lightweight and complex-free high-gain performance without the need for multiple transceiver electronics.
Implementation Method 1
each lens is adjustable to redirect the electromagnetic wave in different directions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for utilising an array of independently controllable dielectric lenses for radio signal to allow a single antenna to be focussed on one location with a highly directive beam or on more than one location thus enable radio links to be formed with multiple locations. Within the array, each lens will consist of a shaped piece of dielectric material that can be independently, or in groups, pointed in such a direction as to change the direction of the radio signals passing through the lens. The lens will have a shape equivalent to a converging lens which may be a convex shape. Other forms of converging lens may be implemented save space and material. The antenna will have a low gain, wide area of reception and may be implemented as a planar metal antenna or as a group of planar antennas in an array. This invention provides a lightweight system for providing high gain antenna performance without the need for a complex antenna array system or the need for multiple transceiver electronics.