Non-Heterodyne Radiation Imager Antenna Array Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heterodyne detection systems in imagers are large and heavy, making it difficult to construct antenna arrays effectively, whereas non-heterodyne systems require direct-detection techniques that allow for smaller and lighter detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-heterodyne radiation imager with a substrate having a ground plane layer and a plurality of antenna elements mechanically coupled by support elements, which allows for a thin, lightweight, and flexible array configuration, enabling increased field of view and array construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heterodyne detection systems are used in imagers, then detection capability is improved, but the size and weight of the imager increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heterodyne detection components from the imager system, transitioning to a direct-detection architecture. This elimination of the local oscillator and mixing components directly reduces the size and weight while maintaining detection capability through simplified energy measurement of received signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex heterodyne detection mechanism with a simpler direct-detection system. Instead of using frequency mixing and local oscillators, the system directly measures the energy of received electromagnetic signals, substituting a mechanical/complex system with a simpler alternative that achieves the same detection function
2Measurement precision
If heterodyne detection systems are used in imagers, then detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heterodyne detection components from the imager system, transitioning to a direct-detection architecture. This elimination of the local oscillator and mixing components directly reduces the size and weight while maintaining detection capability through simplified energy measurement of received signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex heterodyne detection mechanism with a simpler direct-detection system. Instead of using frequency mixing and local oscillators, the system directly measures the energy of received electromagnetic signals, substituting a mechanical/complex system with a simpler alternative that achieves the same detection function
3Area of stationary object
If traditional antenna arrays are constructed, then detection coverage is improved, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the antenna array structure, transitioning from flat planar arrays to curved or conformal geometries. This curvature enables the array to wrap around or conform to surfaces, expanding the field of view and detection coverage while maintaining element spacing through the curved configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the antenna array from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional curved or conformal structure. This dimensional change allows the array to utilize spatial curvature to expand coverage area and field of view, enabling detection in multiple directions and angles simultaneously
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
Enables the construction of a compact, lightweight, and flexible antenna array that maintains uniform antenna element spacing, enhancing the imager's field of view and reducing size and weight, facilitating applications like whole-body imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antenna elements operable to receive radiative input
Implementation Method 2
an energy detector operable to measure the radiative input received by the plurality of antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
According one embodiment, a non- heterodyne radiation imager (100) includes a substrate (126) having a ground plane layer (128). The radiation imager also includes a plurality of antenna elements (122) operable to receive radiative input. Each support element of a plurality of support elements (124) mechanically couples an antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements to the substrate. A plurality of energy detectors (130) is operable to measure the radiative input received by the plurality of antenna elements.