Horn Antenna Array Cavity Segmentation for Standing Wave Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern multi-element antenna arrays face challenges in achieving improved radiation characteristics, particularly in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, front-to-back ratio, and isolation between polarizations due to standing waves in the cavity between the ground conductor and ground plane.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of conductive members, such as walls or posts, perpendicular to the ground conductor, disrupts standing waves in the cavity, enhancing the antenna array's gain, front-to-back isolation, and polarization isolation by providing grounded barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a multi-element antenna array is used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then radiation gain is improved, but standing waves in the cavity between ground conductor and ground plane deteriorate front-to-back ratio and polarization isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful standing waves in the cavity into beneficial effects. The conductive members are strategically positioned to disrupt the standing wave patterns, transforming the cavity from a source of interference into a structure that enhances front-to-back ratio and polarization isolation while maintaining radiation gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the 'Segmentation' principle by dividing the continuous ground plane into multiple segments using conductive members. These conductive members create separate regions within the cavity, disrupting the formation of large-scale standing waves and improving the overall radiation characteristics of the antenna array.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cavity between ground conductor and ground plane is maintained for structural support, then mechanical stability is improved, but standing waves deteriorate front-to-back isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Segmentation' principle by introducing conductive members that divide the cavity into smaller regions. This segmentation maintains the overall structural stability of the antenna array while disrupting the standing wave patterns that would otherwise form in the large continuous cavity, thereby improving front-to-back isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the 'Local quality' principle by strategically positioning conductive members at specific locations within the cavity where standing waves are most problematic. This localized intervention maintains structural integrity while effectively disrupting harmful electromagnetic patterns in the critical regions.
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 improves the front-to-back ratio and polarization isolation, resulting in enhanced radiation performance with improved gain and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive members perpendicular to the ground conductor disrupt a standing wave in the cavity between the ground conductor and the ground plane
Implementation Method 2
a ground conductor configured as a reflector, the ground conductor being disposed parallel to the planar substrate and behind the planar substrate with respect to the horn array elements
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array assembly comprises a plurality of horn array elements, each comprising a waveguide horn and a plurality of radiator patches, a planar substrate to which the plurality of horn array elements is attached, the planar substrate having a ground plane comprising a plurality of slots on a first side and a plurality of feed tracks on the second side; and a ground conductor configured as a reflector, the ground conductor being disposed parallel to the planar substrate and behind the planar substrate with respect to the horn array elements. A plurality of conductive members is disposed such that each conductive member is between the ground conductor and a respective horn array element, each conductive member being perpendicular to the ground conductor, and each conductive member being electrically connected to the ground conductor.