Flare Antenna Array with Radial Elements for Constant Beamwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays face challenges in maintaining a constant beamwidth across a wide frequency band due to significant fluctuations in wavelength, leading to varying inter-element spacing and inefficient radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
The antenna array is configured in a flare shape with uniformly spaced elements extending radially from a common area, maintaining constant spacing relative to the operating wavelength across the frequency range, and incorporating elements like bow tie, log-periodic, and Vivaldi antennas with a tilt to ensure orthogonal orientations and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional antenna arrays use fixed inter-element spacing, then the structure is simple, but the beamwidth varies significantly across the frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the inter-element spacing variable rather than fixed. The spacing between antenna elements is designed to change according to the operating frequency, specifically scaling with the wavelength. This allows the antenna array to maintain constant beamwidth across a wide frequency band by adapting the electrical spacing to match the operating conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inter-element spacing is adjusted to maintain constant beamwidth, then beamwidth stability is improved, but the spacing becomes non-uniform increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each antenna element's position unique according to its specific location in the array. The spacing between adjacent elements is designed to be different at different positions, with each spacing optimized for its local frequency range. This localized optimization allows the overall array to maintain constant beamwidth while managing the complexity through a systematic local variation pattern.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are closely spaced to reduce array size, then the array compactness is improved, but radiation interference between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the effective electrical spacing between elements frequency-dependent. At different frequencies, the spacing dynamically adapts to maintain appropriate electrical distances. This dynamic characteristic allows the physical spacing to be compact while the electrical spacing remains sufficient to prevent harmful radiation interference, effectively decoupling the physical size from the interference characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2C~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
An antenna array includes a plurality of antenna elements configured in a flare such that each of the plurality of antenna elements is uniformly spaced apart from at least one adjacent antenna element. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is coupled in a common area, and each of the plurality of antenna elements extends radially outward from the common area. A method of arranging antenna elements in an antenna array includes configuring a plurality of antenna elements in a flare such that each antenna element is uniformly spaced apart from at least one adjacent antenna element, and each of the plurality of antenna elements extends radially outward from a common area; and coupling each of the plurality of antenna elements in the common area.