Multi-Size Metal Pattern Radome for Wider Radar Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Array antennas used in satellite communication have a narrow beam width, leading to signal distortion or loss for signals outside this coverage, necessitating an increase in ground stations or field of view, which is costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A radome with multi-size metal patterns is used to widen the beam width of electromagnetic waves, achieved by alternately arranging dielectric substrates and metal layers with specific gap widths that vary radially, causing the electromagnetic waves to diverge and increase the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If array antenna is used to transmit signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but beam width is narrow causing signal distortion or loss outside coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating metal patterns with different gap widths at different radial positions on the radome. The gap widths vary according to a specific distribution pattern (first increasing, then decreasing, then increasing again) along the radial direction, allowing different regions of the radome to refract electromagnetic waves at different angles, thereby widening the overall beam width while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of gap width in the metal patterns to control the refraction angle of electromagnetic waves. By adjusting the gap width parameter across different radial positions, the radome achieves variable refraction angles that diverge the beam, effectively widening the beam width without compromising signal integrity through proper parameter selection.
2Reliability
If quantity of ground stations is increased to ensure good satellite communication, then communication reliability is improved, but cost and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radome multi-functional by enabling it to both protect the array antenna and simultaneously widen the beam width. This single structure performs multiple functions: it serves as a protective cover while also acting as a beam-widening device through its metal patterns, eliminating the need for additional ground stations and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmitting/receiving field of view is increased to cover all weathers, then signal coverage is improved, but technology complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced field of view through local quality variations in the metal patterns. By designing different gap widths at different radial positions, each region of the radome contributes to covering specific angular ranges, collectively providing omnidirectional coverage without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or multiple antenna systems.
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 radome effectively widens the beam width of electromagnetic waves, allowing the radar device to cover a broader region, thereby increasing the receiving angle and improving satellite communication without the need for additional ground stations or increased resources.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic waves emitted to different portions of the radome are refracted with different refraction angles to achieve divergence effect
Data Source
AI summary
A radome having multi-size metal patterns and a radar device using the radome are provided. The radome includes alternately-arranged dielectric substrates and metal layers. Each metal layer includes metal frames and metal patterns wherein the metal patterns are electrically insulated from each other. A gap width corresponding to one metal pattern of one metal layer is a width of a gap defined between the metal pattern and a nearest metal frame to the metal pattern. The gap widths corresponding to the metal patterns are increasing, decreasing and further increasing in sequence along a radial direction extending from a center to an outer edge of the metal layer. The outmost layers at both sides of the radome are metal layers. The metal layers have substantially identical layout.