V-Shaped GPR Antenna With Segmented Ground Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground penetrating radar antenna systems suffer from signal interference due to direct wave and multiple reflections, leading to reduced fidelity and inability to separate close-laying objects effectively, primarily because of the connected ground planes and balun requirements.
Innovation Solution
The antenna system employs two sheet-like antenna arrangements with monopoles on insulating carriers over radar absorbing material, forming a V-shaped wedge with non-electrically connected ground planes and adjustable non-conducting hinges, and resistor-spacer connections to suppress direct waves and eliminate double pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If connected ground planes are used in the antenna system, then mechanical stability is improved, but signal interference and multiple reflections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is divided into two separate electrically isolated ground planes, each supporting one antenna arrangement. This segmentation eliminates the connected ground plane structure that causes signal interference and multiple reflections, while each ground plane maintains its own mechanical stability independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conducting hinge is introduced as an intermediary element to connect the two separate ground planes mechanically. This non-conductive mediator provides mechanical stability and adjustability while preventing electrical connection between the ground planes, thus avoiding signal interference.
2Reliability
If transmitter and receiver antennas are mounted opposite to each other, then isolation between transmitter and receiver is improved, but direct wave interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna arrangements are configured in an asymmetric V-shaped geometry rather than a symmetric opposite mounting. The downward sloping V-shape with tips pointing toward the ground creates asymmetric signal paths that reduce direct wave interference while maintaining isolation between transmitter and receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna arrangements are oriented in a three-dimensional V-shaped configuration with downward slopes, transitioning from a simple opposite mounting arrangement to a spatially distributed configuration. This dimensional change in antenna orientation reduces direct wave interference by directing signals away from each other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bowtie dipoles are employed, then broad bandwidth is achieved, but balun transformers are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The balun transformer component is completely removed from the antenna system. The invention uses monopole antennas with direct feed connections to the radar unit, extracting the unnecessary balun transformer while maintaining broad bandwidth capability through the monopole resonance structure and ground plane configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The monopole antennas with ground planes provide self-contained impedance matching and broadband performance without requiring external balun transformers. The ground plane structure itself serves the function that would otherwise require a separate balun component.
4Manufacturing precision
If adjustable angle construction is implemented, then optimal signal penetration is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system incorporates adjustable angle capability through non-conducting hinges, allowing the V-shaped ground planes to be positioned at optimal angles for signal penetration. This dynamic adjustability enables optimization of radar performance for different ground conditions while maintaining relatively simple mechanical construction.
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 configuration significantly reduces direct wave interference and multiple reflections, enhancing radar signal quality and allowing for simpler, more stable mechanical construction.
Implementation Method 1
layer of a radar absorbing material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An antenna system for ground penetrating radar, comprising at least one transmitter antenna (1 ) and at least one receiver antenna (2), where the transmitter antenna and receiving antennas are mounted on their own downwards sloping ground plane (5) in order form a V-shaped wedge with the tip pointed down towards the ground (10) during normal operation, where said antennas comprise of triangular or V-shaped monopoles made by applying metal surfaces on a sheet carrier (3) of a glass fibre substrate placed on the underside of a layer of a radar absorbing material (4), where the top side of the material layer is covered by a metallic ground plane (5).