Electromechanical MMW Antenna Scanning System with Metasurface Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Millimeter Wave (MMW) frequency antenna systems face challenges in scanning over large angular swaths with high directivity due to high propagation losses and interference from omnidirectional antennas, and existing solutions like phased arrays are costly and size-intensive, especially for 5G deployments requiring wideband frequency support.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled electromechanical MMW frequency antenna scanning system utilizing a metasurface and microstrip antenna configuration with optimized distances and inclination angles for impedance matching and beam steering, featuring a square-shaped metasurface and rectangular radiating patch, enabled by stepper motors for precise beam control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phased-array concept is used for electronic scanning, then beam scanning capability is improved, but system cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning functionality from a complex phased-array system by using a single fixed antenna combined with a movable reflective surface. This removes the need for multiple antenna elements and complex electronic phase control circuits, achieving beam scanning through mechanical movement of the reflector instead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control system of phased arrays with a mechanical system. A single antenna feeds a reflective surface that can be mechanically positioned at different locations, and the beam direction is controlled by mechanical adjustment of the reflector's orientation, substituting electronic complexity with simpler mechanical movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional concepts like multiband array are employed for frequency independence, then bandwidth is improved, but cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves broadband operation by making the antenna parameters (particularly the reflector position and orientation) variable rather than fixed. By dynamically adjusting the reflector's position and angle, the system can maintain optimal performance across a wide frequency range, eliminating the need for complex multiband antenna structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the antenna system through movable and rotatable reflective surfaces. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different frequencies by changing the reflector configuration in real-time, providing frequency independence without requiring multiple fixed antenna elements for different bands
3Device complexity
If single antenna with fixed orientation is used, then system simplicity is improved, but scanning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single fixed antenna serve multiple directional functions by using it to feed a universal reflective surface that can be positioned and oriented in multiple configurations. The single antenna becomes multi-functional through its interaction with the movable reflector, achieving scanning capability without requiring multiple fixed antennas for different directions
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 system achieves cost-effective and compact beam steering with high directivity and broadband impedance matching, effectively addressing the size and cost concerns while maintaining precision and efficiency in MMW frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
a metasurface disposed such that a center point of the metasurface is at a second predetermined distance, along a Z-axis in the Cartesian coordinate system, from a radiating face of the microstrip antenna
Implementation Method 2
a microstrip antenna positioned horizontally, in an XY plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, to receive and transmit radio waves
Implementation Method 3
a first conducting plate positioned at a first predetermined distance from the microstrip antenna and configured to reflect the radio waves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to Millimeter Wave (MMW) frequency antenna scanning system. Conventional approaches available for scanning an antenna beam over a large angular swath with high directivity are unable to address concerns of size and cost involved. The technical problem of providing an MMW frequency antenna scanning system using a single small size antenna capable of scanning as desired at a desired precision is addressed in the present disclosure. The antenna scanning system provided is an electromechanical system that makes the system cost effective. Computer control provides precision control in beam steering from remote. Use of a metasurface and configuration of a radiating patch and a shorting pin in a microstrip antenna addresses the concern with regards to the size of the antenna scanning system.