Horn Antenna Array With Protrusions For Phase Center Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horn antenna arrays face challenges in closely disposing multiple horn antenna elements due to the difficulty in making the interval between phase centers shorter than the arraying interval, which affects radiation characteristics and grating lobe prevention.
Innovation Solution
A novel horn antenna array structure with protrusions on the inner walls of each horn element, allowing for a shorter interval between phase centers, effectively reducing the period of arrangement and preventing grating lobes while maintaining efficient radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horn antenna elements are arranged closely to prevent grating lobes, then radiation characteristics improve, but the physical space required for each horn element becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a virtual phase center that is positioned differently from the physical horn opening. By separating the phase center location from the physical element location, the patent enables effective electrical spacing to be shorter than physical spacing, allowing dense packing while maintaining radiation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters of the horn antenna by introducing specific inner wall structures (protrusions or curved surfaces) that alter the phase distribution of radiated waves. This changes the effective phase center position, enabling the interval between phase centers to be effectively shorter than the physical arraying interval.
2Reliability
If the interval between phase centers is made shorter than the arraying interval, then grating lobes are prevented, but the horn antenna element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire horn structure, the invention applies localized features (protrusions or curved surfaces) only on specific inner wall portions. This local modification achieves the desired phase distribution while minimizing overall structural complexity and maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Length of stationary object
If protrusions are added to the inner walls to create opposing phase centers, then the interval between phase centers is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves phase center separation through geometric parameter modifications of the inner walls (adding protrusions or creating curved surfaces) rather than requiring complex multi-component assemblies. These parameter changes can be integrated into standard horn manufacturing processes, balancing performance improvement with manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A horn antenna array includes at least two horn antenna elements arranged along a first direction. Each of the at least two horn antenna elements includes a base having a slot extending along a second direction which intersects the first direction, and a horn communicating with the slot, the horn having a pair of electrically-conductive first inner walls intersecting the first direction and a pair of electrically-conductive second inner walls intersecting the second direction. The pair of second inner walls include a pair of opposing protrusions. When radiating an electromagnetic wave, the pair of protrusions create two radiation sources on the inside of the pair of first inner walls.