Gradient-Index Radar Lens for Wide Vehicle Sensor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle assemblies with curved lenses for radar sensors are bulky, expensive, and absorb radar waves, leading to reduced detection range and potential detection errors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle assembly using a gradient-index lens with a sub-wavelength structured dielectric element that adjusts the field of view of a radar sensor, comprising an underlayer and a pattern layer with a calculated local refractive index, reducing bulk and absorption while maintaining detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved lens is used to adapt the field of view of the radar sensor, then the field of view can be enlarged or reduced, but the lens takes up space and is heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the lens material from uniform to gradient distribution. The gradient-index lens uses materials with varying refractive indices to achieve field of view adaptation without the need for curved geometry, thereby reducing weight while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with different refractive indices arranged in a gradient structure. By combining multiple materials with progressively varying optical properties, the lens achieves the desired field of view adaptation while minimizing weight compared to traditional curved single-material lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curved lens is used to adapt the field of view of the radar sensor, then the field of view can be adjusted, but the lens absorbs radar waves and reduces detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the refractive index parameter distribution within the lens to create a gradient structure. This gradient-index design optimizes the optical path for radar waves, reducing absorption losses while maintaining the field of view adjustment capability through controlled parameter variation rather than geometric curvature.
3Reliability
If a curved lens is used to adapt the field of view, then detection coverage can be improved, but the lens is bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by implementing a gradient refractive index distribution within the lens. This allows the lens to achieve the required detection coverage and field of view adaptation with a more compact design, reducing volume while maintaining or improving detection reliability through optimized wave propagation control.
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
The solution enhances detection performance by minimizing wave absorption, reducing bulk, and adapting the field of view to manufacturer demands without compromising detection range.
Implementation Method 1
a gradient-index lens and comprises an underlayer and a layer of patterns forming a sub-wavelength structured dielectric element... the layer of patterns possesses a local refractive index that is calculated depending on a local density of said patterns
Implementation Method 2
said lens is a gradient-index lens... makes it possible to enlarge or reduce the field of view of the radar sensor
Implementation Method 3
a layer of patterns forming a sub-wavelength structured dielectric element, a repetition period of the patterns being less than one quarter of a wavelength of said range
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle assembly including a radar sensor having a field of vision and configured to transmit radar waves over a range of wavelengths in the field of vision, and a lens arranged opposite the radar sensor, with the lens being a gradient-index lens and includes a sublayer and a layer of patterns forming a subwavelength-structured dielectric element with a repetition period of the patterns that is less than quarter of a wavelength of the range, and the layer of patterns has a local refractive index which is calculated as a function of a local density of the patterns in the layer.