Dual Band Phased Array Antenna for Vehicle Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems in moving vehicles require multiple antennas for different frequency bands, leading to increased size, weight, power consumption, cost, and aerodynamic drag, as well as limited space efficiency and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A dual band phased array antenna unit cell design that incorporates radiating elements oriented at specific angles, with a ground plane and feed probes, allowing for simultaneous operation in two frequency bands while maintaining efficient spacing and polarization, thereby reducing the number of antennas needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed for different frequency bands, then communication coverage is improved, but vehicle size, weight, power consumption, cost, and aerodynamic drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band antennas into a single integrated antenna structure that supports both E-band (60 GHz) and V-band (50 GHz) operations. The shared ground plane, radiating elements, and feed network allow one antenna assembly to perform the function of what would traditionally require separate antennas for each frequency band, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining multi-band capability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design implements multi-functionality by enabling a single antenna structure to operate across multiple frequency bands (E-band and V-band) and support both transmission and reception functions. The radiating elements and ground plane are designed to be resonant at multiple frequencies, allowing the same physical structure to serve multiple communication purposes simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed for different frequency bands, then communication coverage is improved, but vehicle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single compact structure with shared components including the ground plane, radiating elements, and feed network. This integration reduces the total aperture area required compared to having separate antennas for each frequency band, as the same physical space serves multiple frequency operations simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by stacking radiating elements at different heights above the ground plane (different z-dimensions) while maintaining compact footprint in the x-y plane. This vertical dimensionality allows multiple frequency bands to operate from a single aperture without increasing horizontal space requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed for different frequency bands, then communication coverage is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple frequency band antennas into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the total surface area and protruding elements that would otherwise increase aerodynamic drag. The unified antenna assembly presents a smaller cross-sectional area to airflow compared to multiple separate antennas distributed across the vehicle surface
4Reliability
If antenna spacing is optimized for one frequency band, then performance in that band is improved, but performance in other frequency bands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing radiating elements with non-uniform spacing and orientation specific to each frequency band's requirements. The E-band elements are spaced and oriented optimally for 60 GHz operation, while V-band elements have different spacing and orientation optimized for 50 GHz, allowing each frequency band to achieve its optimal performance without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into distinct element groups for different frequency bands, with E-band radiating elements and V-band radiating elements separately optimized and positioned. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each frequency band's performance while maintaining overall system integration through shared ground plane and feed network
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 dual band phased array antenna significantly reduces aperture size by up to 50%, optimizes space usage, and provides lower aerodynamic drag while enabling wide-angle scanning and multiband operation without performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiating element oriented at a first predetermined angle, the first radiating element operating in a first frequency band; a second radiating element oriented at a second predetermined angle, the second radiating element operating in a second frequency band
Implementation Method 2
a ground plane comprising a first slot associated with the first radiating element and a second slot associated with the second radiating element; a first feed probe associated with the first radiating element; and a second feed probe associated with the second radiating element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a dual band antenna with a first radiating element oriented at a first predetermined angle that operates in a first frequency band and a second radiating element oriented at a second predetermined angle that operates in a second frequency band. The dual band antenna has a ground plane that has a first slot that is associated with the first radiating element and a second slot that is associated with the second radiating element. The dual band antenna also has a first feed probe that is associated with the first radiating element and a second feed probe that is associated with the second radiating element.