Expanding Lattice Notch Array Antenna Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing notch array antennas face challenges in maximizing array area while minimizing depth and avoiding signal losses, particularly in confined spaces like airborne pods and missile bodies, due to constraints on lattice spacing and the need for dilation layers.
Innovation Solution
The development of an expanding lattice notch array antenna, where notch antenna elements can be stretched or contracted to vary their spacing without increasing the overall height, eliminating the need for dilation layers and reducing signal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the lattice spacing is increased to maximize array area, then the array aperture is improved, but grating lobes appear due to electromagnetic constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (depth) by implementing a non-planar lattice structure where elements are positioned at different heights above the base plane. This vertical dimension allows the array to achieve larger effective aperture area while maintaining electrical spacing that prevents grating lobes, thus resolving the contradiction between array area and electromagnetic reliability.
2Reliability
If the lattice spacing is decreased to prevent grating lobes, then array characteristics are maintained, but the array area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension, the patent allows lattice elements to be spaced closer in the horizontal plane (maintaining array characteristics) while achieving larger effective area through vertical displacement. The non-planar configuration creates an expanded electromagnetic aperture without requiring larger horizontal footprints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dilation layers are added to translate electronics spacing to notch element spacing, then the array can be formed in confined spaces, but the overall depth and signal loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate dilation layer from the system by directly coupling electronics to the notch elements through vertical positioning. The non-planar lattice structure allows electronics to be mounted on the base plate while maintaining proper electrical spacing above it, removing the need for additional translation layers and their associated losses.
4Ease of manufacture
If the overall height is increased to accommodate dilation layers, then electronics can be properly spaced, but the depth of the antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the base plate, electronics mounting surface, and lattice support structure into a single integrated non-planar configuration. Electronics are positioned on the base plate while lattice elements extend vertically from the same base, combining multiple functions into one structure and eliminating the need for additional depth-consuming dilation layers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed toward methods for forming an expanding lattice notch array antenna that includes a plurality of notch antenna elements extending from a surface of a base plate. The properties and dimensions of the notch antenna elements can be manipulated in order to provide an expanding notch array antenna whereby an area of a base portion of the array is different from an area of a top portion of the array, without increasing an overall height of the notch array antenna. The method includes coupling a first plurality of notch elements to a first surface of a base plate in a first orientation, expanding a second plurality of notch elements from a first state to a second state and coupling the second plurality of notch elements in the second state to the first surface of the base plate in a second orientation.