Hybrid Reflector Antenna with Front-Side Radiating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid reflector antennas suffer from signal absorption and a less compact design due to the placement of a secondary feed, which affects system performance and size considerations in applications like space-borne systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radiating elements on a subreflector facing the primary reflector eliminates signal absorption and allows for a more compact antenna geometry, enabling multi-beam, dual-polarization, and beam scanning operations by using a dual reflector feed and beamforming network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a secondary feed is disposed on an opposite side of the subreflector from the main reflector, then the antenna system can illuminate both reflectors, but signal absorption by the subreflector increases and the design becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the radiating elements on the side of the subreflector that faces the main reflector, rather than on the opposite side. This inversion eliminates the need for signals to pass through the subreflector material, thereby reducing absorption losses while maintaining the ability to illuminate both reflectors effectively
2Ease of operation
If a secondary feed is disposed on an opposite side of the subreflector from the main reflector, then the antenna system can illuminate both reflectors, but the overall antenna size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the feed placement to the front side of the subreflector, the patent achieves a more compact configuration where the radiating elements are positioned closer to the main reflector, reducing the overall volume and mass of the antenna system while preserving dual-reflector illumination capability
3Loss of energy
If radiating elements are embedded on the subreflector facing the main reflector, then signal absorption losses are reduced and compactness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the subreflector structure with radiating elements into an integrated hybrid reflector assembly. This combination consolidates multiple functions (reflection and radiation) into a single unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity despite the advanced functionality achieved
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 reduces signal absorption losses, enhances system performance, and provides a more compact design suitable for space-borne applications while enabling advanced operational capabilities like multi-beam and dual-polarization operations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more radiating elements disposed on a side of the second reflector facing the first reflector. The one or more radiating elements are configured to illuminate the first reflector
Implementation Method 2
dual reflector feed configured to illuminate the second reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system comprises a first reflector and a second reflector including one or more radiating elements disposed on a side of the second reflector facing the first reflector. The one or more radiating elements are configured to illuminate the first reflector. The antenna system further comprises a dual reflector feed configured to illuminate the second reflector. The antenna system may further include a beamforming network configured to feed the radiating elements, and to provide amplitude weighting and/or phase control to the antenna system.