Mushroom Structures for Reflect Array Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflect arrays with mushroom structures struggle to achieve a wide range of reflection phases necessary for directing radio waves effectively, especially when the incident angle is small, due to limitations in the range of reflection phase adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a reflect array design that utilizes multiple mushroom structures with varying patch sizes and distances from the ground plate, allowing for increased capacitance and inductance control through the arrangement of patches in multiple layers and varying distances, enabling a broader range of reflection phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mushroom structures with single-layer patches are used, then the structure is simple, but the range of reflection phase is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer patch structure to a multi-layer patch structure, adding the vertical dimension (z-axis) to the conventional planar arrangement. Multiple patches are arranged at different heights above the ground plate, creating a three-dimensional configuration that expands the adjustable parameter space for reflection phase control while maintaining structural manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single patch structure into multiple segmented patches arranged in different layers. Each patch can be independently positioned at different heights and locations, allowing granular control over the electromagnetic response. This segmentation enables broader reflection phase coverage by combining the effects of multiple discrete elements.
2Ease of operation
If the incident angle of radio wave is small, then the reflector can be positioned at lower elevation, but the reflection angle cannot be made large enough to direct the wave in desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mushroom structures, specifically the heights of patches at different positions. By varying patch heights rather than simply tilting the entire reflector surface, the system achieves effective direction control with vertically positioned elements, allowing large reflection angles without compromising positioning safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the vertical positioning of patches within the mushroom structures. Patches at different locations have different heights above the ground plate, creating an asymmetric three-dimensional configuration that enables directional control of reflected waves while maintaining a vertically oriented overall structure.
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
This design enhances the ability to direct radio waves in desired directions by expanding the range of reflection phases, improving the reflect array's performance even at small incident angles, and reducing spurious reflections.
Implementation Method 1
an inductance L and a capacitance C in an equivalent circuit are adjusted to adjust a resonance frequency to control a reflection phase
Implementation Method 2
When the radio wave is reflected by the reflector, it becomes difficult for the reflector to direct the radio wave in a desired direction
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus having multiple mushroom structures is disclosed. Each of the multiple mushroom structures includes: a ground plate (21); a first patch (23) provided parallel to the ground plate with a separation of a distance to the ground plate; and a second patch (24) provided parallel to the ground plate with a separation of another distance to the ground plate, which another distance being different from the distance from the first patch to the ground plate, wherein the second patch is a passive element which is capacitatively coupled with at least the first patch.