Single-Layer All-Dielectric Reflectarray for Corrosion-Resistant Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Metallic antennas are prone to corrosion in outdoor environments, leading to mechanical and electrical performance degradation and increased complexity and cost in harsh conditions, while existing all-dielectric reflectarrays require multiple layers for reflection and phase adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An all-dielectric metamaterial-based reflectarray antenna with a single-layer structure utilizing Mie resonances, achieved through interaction between electromagnetic waves and dielectric particles, enabling efficient reflection and phase adjustment without metallic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic materials are used in antennas, then electrical conductivity and radiation performance are improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates in outdoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmechanical and electrical performance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces metallic materials with all-dielectric metamaterials, substituting the traditional conductive mechanism with a dielectric resonance mechanism. The dielectric reflection elements utilize Mie resonances to achieve the desired electromagnetic wave reflection and phase control without relying on metallic conductivity, thereby eliminating corrosion issues while maintaining antenna functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite dielectric structures consisting of multiple layers with different dielectric constants (first dielectric layer, second dielectric layer, third dielectric layer) to achieve the required electromagnetic performance. This composite approach allows optimization of both reflection efficiency and phase control while maintaining all-dielectric construction for corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If all-dielectric metamaterial is used instead of metal ground plane, then corrosion resistance is improved, but structural complexity increases due to multiple layers required for reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidnumber of layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the reflection element structure. The dielectric reflection element simultaneously provides electromagnetic wave reflection, phase control, and structural support, eliminating the need for separate metal ground plane and multiple functional layers. This integration reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining all-dielectric corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in dielectric constant parameters across different layers to achieve the required electromagnetic performance. By carefully selecting and varying the dielectric constants of different layers, the design achieves optimal reflection and phase control with a simplified structure, reducing the number of layers needed compared to previous all-dielectric designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple layers are used in all-dielectric reflectarray, then reflection performance is improved, but antenna profile height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflection performanceVSAvoidprofile height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality optimization by assigning different dielectric constants to different layers based on their specific functional requirements. The first dielectric layer has a first dielectric constant optimized for reflection, the second dielectric layer has a second dielectric constant for phase control, and the third dielectric layer has a third dielectric constant for additional refinement. This localized optimization achieves high reflection performance with minimal layer thickness, reducing overall profile height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 antenna provides a compact, cost-effective solution with high gain and wide bandwidth, suitable for outdoor and harsh environments, maintaining mechanical integrity and wireless communication quality.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing Mie resonances, achieved through interaction between electromagnetic waves and dielectric particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMie resonances: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

interaction between electromagnetic waves and dielectric particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric interaction: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20250343360A1All-dielectric reflectarray antenna

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

An antenna includes a supporting layer and a reflection element disposed on the supporting layer configured to reflect an incident wave with a respective reflection phase, the reflection element extending perpendicularly from the supporting layer at a height configured to achieve the respective reflection phase, and both the supporting layer and the reflection element being formed with an all-dielectric material. The antenna is not susceptible to metallic corrosion and has flexible design freedom. It is in a simple and compact structure for providing complete reflection and phase adjustment simultaneously. The simple structure of the antenna enables it to be manufactured in an efficient and cost-effective manner.