Integrated Vehicle Radar Antenna Array for Compact Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle radar systems are limited in their ability to integrate short range and middle/long range functions into a single apparatus, leading to increased implementation area and reduced reception sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle radar system incorporating Tx and Rx antennas for both middle and short ranges, with vertically arranged Rx antenna columns and a control unit to process signals, allowing for selective connection of antennas and alternating time intervals for radiation and reception, thereby enabling efficient tracking of both middle and short range objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate radar sensors for short range and middle/long ranges are used, then each function can be independently optimized, but the implementation area increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines short range radar sensors and middle/long range radar sensors into a single integrated radar apparatus. The control unit selectively activates appropriate antennas and signal processing paths based on detection range requirements, merging previously separate systems into one unified device that maintains both functional optimizations while reducing implementation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated radar apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both short range detection (for stop & go functions) and middle/long range detection (for ACC functions) using a single device. The system universally handles different detection ranges by selectively activating appropriate antenna groups and adjusting signal processing parameters.
2Reliability
If separate radar sensors for short range and middle/long ranges are used, then each function can be independently optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate radar systems into one integrated apparatus with a unified control unit that manages both short range and middle/long range detection functions. This consolidation reduces the number of independent control units and simplifies system architecture while maintaining functional optimization through selective signal processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically switches between different operational modes (short range detection mode and middle/long range detection mode) by selectively activating appropriate antennas and adjusting signal processing parameters. This dynamic adaptability allows a single system to replace multiple fixed-function systems, reducing overall complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If a single apparatus integrates both short range and middle/long range functions, then implementation area is reduced, but reception sensitivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radar apparatus segments its antenna system into distinct groups: first antennas for middle/long range detection and second antennas for short range detection. The control unit selectively activates only the necessary antenna group based on detection requirements, ensuring that reception sensitivity is optimized for the current operational mode while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different antenna groups are optimized for different detection ranges with appropriate local characteristics. The control unit applies range-specific signal processing parameters to each antenna group, ensuring that each segment operates at optimal sensitivity for its intended function while the overall system remains compact and integrated.
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 integrated system reduces the implementation area and enhances reception sensitivity, allowing for improved angular resolution and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), while maintaining the benefits of both short and middle/long range functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
Tx antennas for a middle range, Tx antennas for a short range, Rx antenna columns for a middle range each configured to have a long shape vertically and be horizontally disposed, Rx antenna columns for a short range each configured to have a long shape vertically and be disposed between some of the Rx antenna columns for the middle range, and a control unit configured to process signals of radio waves that are reflected from a specific object after the radio waves are radiated by the Tx antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a vehicle radar. The radar may include Tx antennas for a middle range, Tx antennas for a short range, Rx antenna columns for a middle range each configured to have a long shape vertically and be horizontally disposed, Rx antenna columns for a short range each configured to have a long shape vertically and be disposed between some of the Rx antenna columns for a middle range, and a control unit configured to process signals of radio waves that are reflected from a specific object after the radio waves are radiated by the Tx antennas for the middle range and that are received by the Rx antenna columns for the middle range or signals of radio waves that are reflected from a specific object after the radio waves are radiated by the Tx antennas for the short range and that are received by the Rx antenna columns for the short range.