Nose Cone Scan Array Antenna With Low-Sidelobe Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small airframes, such as missiles, face challenges in integrating radar systems due to limited space and hostile environments, which require a compact, aerodynamically non-compromising, and environmentally robust millimeter-scale radar antenna system combined with a short-wave infrared target location imaging system.
Innovation Solution
An electronically scanned array radar antenna system with radiating horns embedded in the dielectric material of a nose cone, driven by phase shifters to produce attenuated side lobes, allowing for low-aiming radar operation on a very limited platform while minimizing parasitic effects and maintaining structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional array of radiating elements is used, then radar coverage and detection capability are improved, but the size, weight, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into a limited number of strategically positioned radiating elements (e.g., 4-8 elements) rather than using a dense traditional array. Each element is equipped with independent phase control, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive angular coverage through electronic beam steering while minimizing the number of physical elements required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic electronic phase control to steer the radar beam across different angles without physically moving the antenna structure. By dynamically adjusting the phase of each radiating element, the system can electronically scan the beam to cover the required angular range, replacing the need for a large static array with a compact dynamic system.
2Shape
If radiating elements are embedded in the nose cone, then aerodynamic performance and structural stability are improved, but parasitic electromagnetic effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary between the radiating elements and the surrounding environment. This dielectric layer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical isolation to reduce parasitic effects, maintains the aerodynamic shape of the nose cone, and controls the electromagnetic field distribution. The dielectric acts as a mediator that allows the radiating elements to be embedded in the aerodynamic structure while minimizing harmful electromagnetic interactions.
3Volume of moving object
If the radar system is integrated on a small airframe, then platform size is reduced, but the available space for radar components and heat dissipation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The radar antenna elements are merged with the nose cone structure itself, eliminating the need for separate antenna housings and mounting structures. The radiating elements are directly embedded in or integrated with the nose cone, reducing the overall component count and available volume requirements. This merging approach allows the radar system to be compact while maintaining full functional 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 solution enables a compact, environmentally robust, and aerodynamically compatible radar system that maintains high directivity and bandwidth, with minimal platform perturbation, effectively integrating with short-wave infrared systems on small airframes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of actively driven radiating horns are disposed in an annular space defined by a nose cone
Implementation Method 2
The phase shifters are configured to produce a radiation pattern with attenuated side lobes
Implementation Method 3
radiating horns embedded in the dielectric material of a nose cone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An electronically scanned array is comprised of a plurality of radiating horns (202, 204) embedded in a nose cone. The radiating horns are configured as an electronically scanned array. The nose cone comprises a dielectric material with a known thickness in front of the radiating horn opening. Each radiating horn is driven by a phase shifter (608). The phase shifters are configured to produce a radiation pattern with attenuated side lobes.