Non-circular Center-fed Antenna with Asymmetric Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna designs with edge-fed architectures are limited by their circular shape, which restricts the use of available space and reduces antenna performance, as they cannot effectively utilize non-circularly shaped spaces and lack flexibility in beam formation.
Innovation Solution
A non-circular center-fed antenna with a non-radially symmetric directional coupler allows for efficient power distribution across non-circular apertures, enabling uniform illumination and increased antenna gain by propagating the feed wave from the center to the edge, thus accommodating various shapes such as rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge-fed architecture with radial symmetry is used, then circular polarization is achieved, but the antenna shape is locked to a circle limiting space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from radially symmetric edge-fed architecture to non-symmetric center-fed architecture. The feed structure is positioned at the center rather than at the edge, and the feeding mechanism uses non-radial symmetry to enable illumination of non-circular aperture shapes while maintaining circular polarization capability. This allows the antenna to adapt to rectangular, hexagonal, or other non-circular space configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional feeding approach by switching from edge-fed to center-fed architecture. Instead of feeding the aperture from the perimeter and reflecting waves inward, the feed is positioned at the center and radiates outward, fundamentally reversing the wave propagation direction and enabling non-circular shape adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If center-fed architecture is used, then non-circular shapes are enabled, but the feed structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a center-fed architecture that can illuminate multiple aperture shapes (circular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) using the same fundamental feed structure. The non-radially symmetric feed mechanism provides multi-functional capability to adapt to different space configurations without requiring separate feed designs for each shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the feed at the center and creating non-uniform illumination distribution across the aperture. The feed structure is designed with specific local characteristics (non-radial symmetry) that enable it to illuminate different regions of non-circular apertures with appropriate amplitude and phase distribution, optimizing performance for each local region.
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 antenna performance by increasing gain and directivity, allowing for better space utilization and flexibility in beam formation, while maintaining uniform aperture illumination without the need for radial symmetry.
Implementation Method 1
a non-radially symmetric directional coupler to supply a RF feed wave to the aperture at a central location within the antenna aperture to enable the feed wave to propagate outward from the central location to an edge of the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A non-circular center-fed antenna and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the antenna comprises: a non-circular antenna aperture with radio-frequency (RF) radiating antenna elements; and a non-radially symmetric directional coupler to supply a RF feed wave to the aperture at a central location within the antenna aperture to enable the feed wave to propagate outward from the central location to an edge of the aperture.