Monolithic Planar Combiner for Low-Loss Antenna Array Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hollow metal waveguides for antennas are limited by traditional fabrication methods, leading to increased size, weight, and part count, which result in reduced performance due to increased losses and complexity, especially in high-performance applications requiring high gain and resistance to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved antenna arrays using novel waveguide structures fabricated through metal additive manufacturing techniques, such as hollow single ridge and dual-ridge waveguides, which enable integration with coaxial waveguides and multiplexers to form compact, high-performance antenna arrays with reduced losses and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hollow metal waveguides are used with traditional fabrication methods, then structural strength and environmental resistance are improved, but size, weight, and part count increase leading to reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate waveguide components into a single integrated monolithic structure. The combiner device merges multiple input waveguides carrying electromagnetic signals at different frequencies into a single output waveguide, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing part count while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic waveguide structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a signal combiner and a structural support element. The single integrated component handles multiple frequency signals while providing mechanical strength and environmental protection, reducing the need for separate specialized components
2Strength
If conventional hollow metal waveguides are used with traditional fabrication methods, then structural strength is improved, but size and weight increase resulting in reduced gain performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the waveguide structure by introducing ridge elements that modify the internal electromagnetic field distribution. These parameter changes allow for more efficient signal propagation with reduced losses, improving gain performance while maintaining structural strength through the monolithic design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional waveguide cross-sections to a three-dimensional monolithic structure with integrated ridges and complex internal geometries. This dimensional enhancement allows for optimized signal paths and reduced material usage while maintaining structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If multi-piece fabrication is used for waveguides, then ease of manufacture is improved, but losses increase due to increased path length and reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple waveguide sections into a single monolithic component, eliminating the seams and interfaces that cause reflections and signal losses. The integrated structure provides continuous signal paths without discontinuities, reducing energy loss while the additive manufacturing process maintains fabrication feasibility
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional waveguide structures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity and losses increase reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the waveguide by incorporating ridge structures and optimized internal dimensions. These parameter changes reduce electromagnetic losses by improving field distribution and reducing reflections, while the additive manufacturing process enables fabrication of these complex geometries that would be difficult with conventional methods
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna arrays comprising planar combiner networks. An apparatus includes a first antenna component comprising a first multiplexer and a second antenna component comprising a second multiplexer. The apparatus is such that the first antenna component is located next to the second antenna component within an antenna array and the apparatus is disposed within a lattice spacing of the antenna array.