Multi-Pattern Radome Layout 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 range, necessitating an increase in ground stations or field of view, which is costly and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A radome with multi-size metal patterns, comprising dielectric substrates and metal layers with varying gap widths, is used to widen the beam width of electromagnetic waves, allowing for broader coverage by refracting waves at different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 radome is segmented into multiple metal layers with different metal pattern configurations. Each layer contains multiple metal patterns (such as rings, crosses, dots) with varying sizes and orientations, dividing the wave modulation function across multiple segmented elements rather than using a single structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the radome have locally optimized metal patterns with specific sizes, shapes, and orientations tailored to their positional requirements. The metal patterns vary from center to edge and between layers, with each local region having patterns specifically designed to control wave propagation in that direction, achieving spatially varying beam widening effects
2Adaptability or versatility
If quantity of ground stations is increased to ensure good satellite communication, then communication coverage is improved, but cost and manpower requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The radome structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the array antenna while also acting as an active beam-widening device through its metal patterns. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional ground stations, as the radome itself provides the coverage expansion that would otherwise require multiple separate receiving stations
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmitting/receiving field of view is increased to cover all weathers, then signal coverage is improved, but technology cost and manpower increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal patterns in the radome have systematically varied parameters including size, orientation, spacing, and shape that are optimized to achieve beam widening. By changing these parameters across different layers and regions, the radome achieves enhanced field of view and all-weather coverage capability
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 increases the field of view of radar devices by widening the beam width, enabling broader coverage without the need for additional ground stations or increased manpower, thus enhancing satellite communication efficiency.
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
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A radome (10) having multi-size metal patterns (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) and a radar device (30) using the radome (10) are provided. The radome (10) includes alternately-arranged dielectric substrates (110, 112, 114) and metal layers (100, 102, 104, 106; 290). Each metal layer (100, 102, 104, 106; 290) includes metal frames (270a, 270b, 270d; 820a, 820b, 820c, 820d) and metal patterns (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) wherein the metal patterns (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) are electrically insulated from each other. A gap width corresponding to one metal pattern (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) of one metal layer (100, 102, 104, 106; 290) is a width of a gap (G) defined between the metal pattern (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) and a nearest metal frame (270a, 270b, 270d; 820a, 820b, 820c, 820d) to the metal pattern (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d). The gap widths corresponding to the metal patterns (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d; 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d; 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d) are increasing, decreasing and further increasing in sequence along a radial direction (A) extending from a center (29C) to an outer edge (29E) of the metal layer (100, 102, 104, 106; 290). The outmost layers at both sides of the radome (10) are metal layers (100, 102, 104, 106; 290). The metal layers (100, 102, 104, 106; 290) have substantially identical layout.