Dome-Shaped Substrate Phased Array Antenna Omnidirectional Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas face challenges in achieving omnidirectional radiation patterns and mechanical-free beam steering, which limits their versatility and efficiency in applications like radar and telecommunications systems.
Innovation Solution
A dome-shaped substrate is used to house a plurality of antenna elements, allowing for omnidirectional radiation patterns and mechanical-component-free beam steering by placing elements on either the inner or outer surface of the dome, with varying slot or patch antenna designs and shapes to customize radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional planar antenna arrays are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but omnidirectional radiation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical curvature to the antenna substrate, transforming it from a planar to a dome-shaped structure. This curvature enables the antenna elements to be distributed across a three-dimensional spherical surface, which provides omnidirectional radiation capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through conventional fabrication techniques adapted to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar array to a three-dimensional spherical distribution of antenna elements. By utilizing the radial dimension of a dome-shaped substrate, the patent achieves omnidirectional coverage in all spatial directions, fundamentally enhancing radiation versatility while building upon conventional planar manufacturing methods.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical beam steering mechanisms are used, then beam direction control is achieved, but device complexity and moving parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with an electronic phase shifting system. Each antenna element is equipped with independent phase shifters that electronically control the phase of radiated signals, enabling beam direction control without any mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while achieving precise and rapid beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic beam steering through electronic phase control rather than static mechanical positioning. The phase shifters can rapidly and continuously adjust beam direction in real-time, providing dynamic adaptability that exceeds the capabilities of mechanical systems while reducing structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If antenna elements are placed on a flat substrate, then manufacturing is easier, but radiation pattern uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dome-shaped substrate with spherical curvature to achieve uniform radiation patterns. The curved surface allows antenna elements to be equidistantly distributed from the sphere's center, ensuring consistent radiation characteristics in all directions. This curvature-based geometry naturally provides pattern uniformity while remaining manufacturable using adapted conventional techniques.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dome-shaped substrate is used, then omnidirectional radiation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dome-shaped substrates with spherical geometry to achieve omnidirectional radiation patterns. The spherical curvature enables uniform element distribution and consistent radiation characteristics in all directions. While the curved geometry adds some manufacturing complexity compared to flat substrates, conventional fabrication techniques can be adapted to produce dome shapes, making the approach practically feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar arrays to three-dimensional spherical distributions of antenna elements. This dimensional expansion enables omnidirectional radiation capability by utilizing radial positioning on a dome surface, achieving superior versatility while managing manufacturing complexity through adapted conventional processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna is provided. The phased array antenna includes a dome shaped substrate. The phased array antenna further includes a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the substrate.