Micro Lens Array Antenna Structure for Radio Wave Leakage Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro lens array antennas suffer from radio wave leakage through gaps between dielectric lenses and horn antennas, leading to degraded sidelobe characteristics and antenna gain due to increased height and convex shape of dielectric lenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dielectric plates between dielectric lenses on a substrate to reflect and block radio waves emitted at low elevation angles, reducing the focal length and height of the micro lens array antenna, thereby minimizing radio wave leakage and maintaining antenna gain and sidelobe characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dielectric lenses are formed with a convex shape to block radio waves, then radio wave leakage is reduced, but the height of the antenna increases and sidelobe characteristics degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dielectric lens into two distinct parts: a first dielectric lens with a convex shape for blocking radio waves, and a second dielectric lens with a flat shape for maintaining low height. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between blocking radio wave leakage and maintaining compact antenna height.
2Length of stationary object
If the focal length of dielectric lenses is reduced to suppress antenna height, then antenna compactness is improved, but radio wave leakage through gaps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different shapes to different parts of the dielectric lens structure. The first dielectric lens has a convex shape specifically at the position where radio wave leakage occurs, while the second dielectric lens has a flat shape. This local quality differentiation allows the convex portion to block leakage effectively while the overall structure maintains reduced height through the flat second lens.
3Manufacturing precision
If horn height is increased for phase matching on aperture surface, then phase matching is improved, but the overall antenna height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a planar antenna as a substitute for the conventional horn antenna, eliminating the need for height adjustment for phase matching. The dielectric lens is designed to work with this planar configuration, copying the essential radiation function while achieving phase matching through the lens design rather than through horn height adjustment.
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 solution effectively suppresses radio wave leakage, maintaining antenna gain and preventing degradation of sidelobe characteristics by reflecting low-elevation angle waves and reducing the focal length of dielectric lenses, enhancing the performance of micro lens array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
the radio wave emitted at a low elevation angle toward a dielectric lens provided above an adjacent planar antenna is reflected by the dielectric plate provided on a portion of the substrate between two of the dielectric lenses
Implementation Method 2
dielectric lenses provided above planar antennas that constitute the planar array antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A micro lens array that includes a planar array antenna including a plurality of planar antennas formed on a substrate, a plurality of dielectric lenses each provided above each of the plurality of planar antennas, and a plurality of dielectric plates each provided on part of the substrate, the part being provided between two adjacent dielectric lenses of the plurality of dielectric lenses.