Multi-Polarization Antenna for Object Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic high-frequency signal-based measuring devices struggle to distinguish objects from wall structures and inhomogeneities due to significant influence from surrounding materials, leading to difficulties in locating objects enclosed in a medium.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held measuring device with a multi-antenna system featuring antenna elements with rotated planes of polarization, allowing for differential signal interaction with anisotropic objects and enabling effective separation of object signals from background reflections through differential signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single antenna element is used for electromagnetic signal transmission, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to distinguish objects from wall structures is poor due to significant influence from surrounding materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection precisionVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single antenna element is segmented into multiple antenna elements (at least two) with different polarization planes. Each antenna element processes signals independently through separate evaluation channels, allowing the system to distinguish object reflections from wall structure reflections by comparing signals across different polarization planes, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimension of polarization plane orientation to the antenna system. By arranging antenna elements in at least two different polarization planes (e.g., horizontal and vertical), the system gains additional measurement dimensions that enable differentiation between objects and wall structures based on their distinct electromagnetic reflection characteristics across polarization planes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If antenna elements are arranged in multiple polarization planes, then object signals can be separated from background reflections, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal separation reliabilityVSAvoidantenna arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements, each oriented in different polarization planes, with each element connected to its own evaluation channel. This segmentation allows independent signal processing for each polarization plane, improving reliability of object signal separation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each antenna element is designed with specific local quality characteristics - different polarization orientations tailored to detect specific reflection patterns. The evaluation channels are also optimized locally to process signals from corresponding polarization planes, enabling reliable differentiation between objects and wall structures through localized signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If electromagnetic signals are transmitted in a single polarization plane, then the transmission system is simple, but the interaction with anisotropic objects is insufficient for accurate localization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject localization precisionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits electromagnetic signals in multiple polarization planes simultaneously, adding the polarization plane dimension to the measurement process. This enables detection of anisotropic objects that exhibit different reflection characteristics across polarization planes, improving localization precision through multi-dimensional signal analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal processing system is segmented into multiple independent evaluation channels, each processing signals from a specific polarization plane. This segmentation allows the system to analyze interaction patterns between transmitted signals and anisotropic objects across different polarization planes, extracting precise localization information through comparative analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device enhances object localization by providing a permanent signal difference between measurement channels, reducing overdriving from wall reflections and improving signal dynamics, allowing for precise object positioning and detection in complex environments.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring device has a high-frequency sensor with at least two antenna elements, with the planes of polarization of electromagnetic waves emitted or received by these antenna elements being rotated in relation to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least two antenna elements, with the planes of polarization of electromagnetic waves emitted or received by these antenna elements being rotated in relation to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

so that the measurement signal of such a sensor has anisotropic, i.e. e.g. elongate objects interacts with different strengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnisotropy: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentEP1946153B1Measuring device and method for locating objects enclosed in a medium, using high-frequency electromagnetic signals
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP1946153B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1946153B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1946153B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring device, in particular a hand-held measuring device for locating objects enclosed in a medium, using high-frequency electromagnetic signals. Said device comprises a housing (82) and at least one high-frequency sensor, which is located in the housing and has a first antenna assembly (10) containing at least one first antenna element (12), the latter preferably emitting and/or receiving signals on a first polarisation plane. According to the invention, the antenna assembly (10) has at least one additional antenna element (14), whose polarisation plane is rotated in relation to the polarisation plane of the first antenna element (12). The invention also relates to a method for locating objects enclosed in a medium, using high-frequency electromagnetic signals, in particular a method for operating a hand-held locating device comprising a plurality of antenna elements (12,14;11,13), in which the measuring signal can be transmitted and/or received on different polarisation planes.