Through-Wall Imaging Device Foldable Antenna Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current through-wall imaging devices are not compact or easily transportable, limiting their usability in emergency and tactical situations where mobility is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A compact through-wall imaging device with hingedly articulated extensions that fold onto a carrier portion, allowing for a reduced footprint and easy carrying, featuring antenna elements for transmitting and receiving ultra-wideband signals, and separable circuitry for signal processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device uses a traditional fixed structure with all antenna elements mounted on a single rigid base, then the imaging stability and signal reception quality are maintained, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a carrier portion and multiple extensions that can be folded together. The antenna elements are distributed across these segmented parts, allowing the device to be compact when folded and stable when deployed for imaging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The extensions are designed to be moveable between folded and deployed positions, transforming the device from a compact transport state to a stable operational state. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt its physical form based on operational requirements
2Area of moving object
If the device is designed with a compact folded structure, then the transportability and ease of carrying are improved, but the area available for mounting antenna elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional footprint when folded to a three-dimensional expanded structure when deployed. The extensions fold out to provide additional surface area for mounting antenna elements while maintaining a compact footprint during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The extensions are designed to fold onto and nest against the carrier portion, maximizing space efficiency during transport while providing sufficient mounting area when deployed for imaging operations
3Measurement precision
If the device maintains a large deployed area for optimal imaging, then the imaging resolution and situational awareness are improved, but the device becomes difficult to transport and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically changes its physical configuration from a compact folded state for easy maneuverability to an expanded deployed state for optimal imaging resolution. The moveable extensions enable this transformation between operational phases
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
Enables efficient imaging of objects behind walls in a compact, lightweight form that can be easily transported and operated, maintaining imaging resolution and situational awareness in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
antenna elements for transmitting and receiving signals, which may be ultra-wideband signals, adapted to pass through a wall
Data Source
AI summary
A through-wall imaging device having antenna elements for transmitting and receiving signals adapted to pass through a wall for imaging objects therebehind, having a base with a carrier portion and a plurality of spaced-apart extensions connected thereto. At least a portion of the antenna elements are mounted on the extensions. The area between adjacent extensions is free of any material of the base at least when the extensions are in an operative state.