Mechanically Assisted Phased Array Radar for Extended Scan Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array radar systems face challenges in achieving high scan angles without compromising antenna gain and beam shape, leading to increased cost, power consumption, and weight due to the need for multiple arrays, which also limits their ability to view the straight ahead region effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically assisted electronically scanned radar apparatus using a single FMCW radar device with a gimbaled mount that mechanically scans the antenna array, allowing for high aspect ratio frequency modulation continuous wave transmission beams to be electronically and mechanically scanned, covering a large field of regard with reduced power and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple antenna arrays are used to achieve high scan angles, then the scan angle range is improved, but the weight, power consumption, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical scanning capability with electronic beamforming in a single integrated radar apparatus. The gimbaled mount provides mechanical positioning while the phased array performs electronic scanning, merging two scanning mechanisms into one unified system that achieves wide scan angles without requiring multiple separate antenna arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The single radar apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical scanning via the gimbaled mount for coarse positioning, electronic beamforming for fine scanning and signal processing. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized arrays
2Area of moving object
If multiple antenna arrays are used to achieve high scan angles, then the scan angle range is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical scanning and electronic beamforming into a single integrated system. The gimbaled mount handles coarse mechanical positioning while the phased array performs efficient electronic scanning, eliminating the need for multiple power-consuming antenna arrays and their associated transmission systems
3Area of moving object
If multiple antenna arrays are used to achieve high scan angles, then the scan angle range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates mechanical scanning components (gimbaled mount) with electronic beamforming components (phased array) into a single radar apparatus. This unified design with centralized control simplifies the system architecture compared to having multiple independent antenna arrays, reducing overall device complexity while achieving wide scan angles
4Weight of moving object
If electronically scanned radar is used, then the system is lightweight and low power, but the scan angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic scanning system where the gimbaled mount provides mechanical motion for wide-angle coverage, while the phased array provides electronic beam steering for rapid scanning within each mechanical position. This dynamic combination allows the lightweight electronic components to achieve extended scan ranges through coordinated mechanical-electronic operation
Data Source
AI summary
A radar apparatus with a transmission antenna array that outputs a high aspect ratio frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) transmission beam that illuminates a large field of regard in elevation and may be both electronically and mechanically scanned in azimuth. The weather radar apparatus includes a receive array and receive electronics that may receive the reflected return radar signals and digitally form a plurality of receive beams that may be used to determine characteristics of the area in the field of regard. The receive beams may be used to determine reflectivity of weather systems and provide a coherent weather picture. The weather radar apparatus may simultaneously process the receive signals into monopulse beams that may be used for accurate navigation as well as collision avoidance.