Flexible Electromagnetic Feed Network for Curved RF Lens Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in fabricating and operating RF lens antennas lies in achieving precise alignment and positioning antenna feeds on curved surfaces to maintain multi-beam joint performance characteristics, while conventional methods incur high costs and reliability issues due to complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic feed network with an integrated flexible layer of connectivity between feeds is fabricated, allowing for planar assembly on curved surfaces, using offset structures and orthogonal transmission lines to minimize cross-talk and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional feed networks are used to achieve precise electromagnetic signal distribution, then signal distribution accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses printed circuit board traces as simplified copies of traditional complex feed network structures. The PCB traces replicate the signal distribution function of conventional feed networks but with much lower manufacturing cost and complexity, achieving acceptable signal distribution accuracy through planar circuit patterns rather than three-dimensional electromagnetic structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured feed network components with inexpensive printed circuit board traces. These PCB-based feed networks can be manufactured using standard PCB fabrication processes, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining sufficient performance for the application
2Measurement precision
If conventional feed networks are used to achieve precise electromagnetic signal distribution, then signal distribution accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replicates the signal distribution function of expensive conventional feed networks using inexpensive PCB traces. The PCB traces are designed to copy the electromagnetic field distribution patterns of traditional feed networks, achieving comparable amplitude and phase accuracy at a fraction of the manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electromagnetic feed network structures with printed circuit board implementations. This substitution uses standard PCB fabrication processes instead of precision mechanical manufacturing, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining the essential signal distribution function
3Measurement precision
If antenna elements are arranged in specific geometric patterns to achieve desired radiation patterns, then radiation pattern accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna elements and feed networks into a single integrated PCB structure. The antenna elements are printed directly on the PCB board along with the feed network traces, eliminating the need for separate positioning of discrete components and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining radiation pattern accuracy
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
This approach enables low-cost, high-volume production of RF lens antennas with improved efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference, facilitating easy assembly and cost-effective manufacturing compatible with existing fabrication equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic feed network 302. The feed network 302 may include a set of conductive traces 304 arranged in a pattern on a substrate 306
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An antenna system includes a lens portion that has a spherical surface, and an antenna feed structure coupled to a surface of the lens portion. The antenna feed structure includes one or more feed tiles supported by an electrical connectivity layer conforming to the spherical surface. The antenna system also includes one or more offset structures positioned between the one or more feed tiles and an outer surface of the antenna system.