Folded Lens Antenna Structure for Multi-Band Compact Beamforming

The patent implements a folded lens antenna where the electromagnetic radiation path is folded back on itself multiple times within a compact stacked structure. The feed array, reflective surfaces, and lens elements are nested within each other in a zig-zag configuration, allowing the effective optical path length to be much greater than the physical height of the antenna stack, thereby achieving long focal length functionality in a compact volume

The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional parabolic reflector layout to a three-dimensional stacked folded structure. By folding the radiation path through multiple reflections and using stacked layers separated by dielectric gaps, the antenna achieves extended focal length in a compact vertical arrangement, effectively utilizing the third dimension to resolve the size-bandwidth contradiction

The antenna is divided into discrete stacked layers including feed arrays, reflective surfaces, dielectric gaps, and lens elements. Each layer performs a specific function in the electromagnetic radiation path, and the modular segmented structure allows the complex folded path to be managed through repeated standardized units rather than a single complex continuous structure

Dielectric gaps are introduced as intermediary elements between the stacked layers. These dielectric gaps serve multiple functions: they electrically isolate the conductive elements, provide mechanical spacing to achieve the required focal length, and enable the folded radiation path while maintaining controlled impedance transitions between layers