Horn Antenna Dielectric Insert Waveguide Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar wave guiding arrangements, such as horn antennas, face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining desired directional properties and broad angle radiation, particularly in vehicle radar systems where space is limited and high-frequency performance is required.

Innovation Solution

A radar wave guiding arrangement featuring a horn-shaped housing with a dielectric insert forming a waveguide channel, which provides different wave distribution characteristics, allowing for a compact design with broad angle radiation and desired directional properties, including ±70° azimuthal coverage, achieved by optimizing the dimensions and waveguide channel geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the horn antenna is made elongated to maintain directional properties, then the directional properties are improved, but the volume and ease of placement in vehicle are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional propertiesVSAvoidvolume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the horn antenna by introducing a flared section with specific flare angles and a compressed section with reduced dimensions. This parameter optimization allows the antenna to achieve desired directional properties while reducing overall volume for vehicle integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a flared section that expands in certain dimensions while compressing in others. The flare angle and compression ratio are optimized to redirect energy distribution, achieving broad angle radiation in azimuth while maintaining compact overall dimensions suitable for vehicle installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the horn antenna is made elongated to maintain directional properties, then the directional properties are improved, but the ease of placement in vehicle is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional propertiesVSAvoidease of placement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes geometric parameters including flare angle, compression ratio, and section lengths to achieve a compact form factor. These parameter changes reduce the antenna's elongation while maintaining directional performance, making it easier to install in vehicle environments with limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The flared section design redistributes energy in specific dimensional directions, achieving broad azimuth coverage without increasing the antenna's length in the direction critical for vehicle placement. This dimensional optimization facilitates easier integration into vehicle structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the dimensions of the horn antenna are reduced to make it compact, then the volume is improved, but the directional properties are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolumeVSAvoiddirectional properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully selects and optimizes parameters such as flare angle, compression ratio, and relative section lengths to maintain directional properties despite reduced overall volume. The flared section's geometric parameters are specifically tuned to preserve energy distribution characteristics while achieving compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The introduction of a flared section creates a dimensional transition that compensates for the reduced overall size. This flared geometry redirects and distributes energy appropriately, maintaining directional radiation patterns and broad angle coverage even though the antenna's overall volume is reduced for vehicle application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables a compact radar wave guiding arrangement with improved directional properties and broad angle radiation, suitable for vehicle radar systems, while integrating well with radome structures and maintaining performance at high frequencies like 77 GHz.

Implementation Method 1

The first walls and the second walls form at least one waveguide channel for guiding radar waves through the horn-shaped housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

The insert and the at least one waveguide channel have different wave distribution characteristics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2863475B1Radar wave guiding arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 VEONEER SWEDEN AB
  • EP2863475B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2863475B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP2863475B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

There is provided radar wave guiding arrangement (31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81) for a vehicle radar system, comprising: a horn-shaped housing (38), the housing comprising first walls (32) enclosing a cavity; and a dielectric insert (35), the dielectric insert comprising second walls (32) and being positioned inside the cavity; wherein the first walls and the second walls form at least one waveguide channel (34) for guiding radar waves through the horn-shaped housing, and wherein the insert and the at least one waveguide channel have different wave distribution characteristics.