Origami Foldable Antenna Arrays for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays are limited by their fixed flat structure, requiring replacement to achieve different electromagnetic characteristics, which restricts their versatility and adaptability in various communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of foldable antenna devices comprising substrates with antenna elements and conductive traces, arranged in origami structures, allowing for reconfiguration of electromagnetic characteristics by bending or folding, enabling adjustable beam steering without replacing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flat antenna arrays are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electromagnetic characteristics cannot be reconfigured without replacing the entire array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static flat antenna array into a dynamic foldable structure using origami patterns. The array can be folded along predetermined fold lines to change its three-dimensional configuration, which dynamically alters the electromagnetic characteristics without requiring component replacement. This enables reconfigurability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional flat array to a three-dimensional folded structure. The origami folding mechanism introduces spatial dimensionality, allowing the antenna elements to be positioned at different depths and angles, thereby creating new electromagnetic radiation patterns and characteristics while keeping the same physical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different antenna arrays are used to achieve different electromagnetic characteristics, then the electromagnetic performance is optimized, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single antenna array that can perform multiple electromagnetic functions through folding. The same physical array structure can be configured in different three-dimensional shapes to achieve various radiation patterns, beam directions, and electromagnetic characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized antenna devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic folding mechanism allows one antenna device to adapt its configuration for different applications. By folding along different fold lines or to different degrees, the single array can transform to provide diverse electromagnetic characteristics, replacing the need for multiple static antenna arrays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If foldable origami structures are used, then the adaptability and beam steering capabilities are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and structural precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous antenna array into discrete sections separated by fold lines. Each section can be independently positioned relative to others through the fold lines, allowing precise control over the three-dimensional configuration. This segmentation makes the folding mechanism more manageable and the manufacturing precision requirements more localized rather than across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the fold lines and hinge locations during the design and manufacturing phase. These predetermined folding axes and joint positions are built into the structure, so that during operation, only simple folding motions are needed to achieve the desired configurations, rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments of multiple parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna devices are provided, including tightly coupled arrays, transmitarrays, and reflectarrays. An antenna device can include a plurality of substrates each having an antenna element. The substrates can be provided in connected series or in an array. The substrates can be part of an origami array such that the entire array is foldable. The substrates can optionally be attached to a framework that can actuate the substrates to different configurations. By bending, folding, or otherwise repositioning the substrates/array, the electromagnetic characteristics of the antenna device can be easily reconfigured for the desired task.