Overlapping Antenna Layout for Compact Virtual Array Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing antenna apparatuses, as described in US Patent Publication 8665137B2, are upsized due to the separate arrangement of transmitter and receiver antennas, requiring large signal-transmissive ports in vehicles, which complicates installation and increases size.
Innovation Solution
The antenna apparatus is designed with transmitter and receiver antennas arranged to partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to their polarization, allowing for a smaller form factor while maintaining functionality through a virtual antenna array configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmitter antennas and receiver antennas are arranged completely separately in the second spatial direction S, then the antenna functions are well-defined and isolated, but the antenna apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transmitter and receiver antennas by arranging them to partially overlap in the second spatial direction S, with phase centers positioned between the transmitter antennas. This combining approach reduces the overall apparatus size while maintaining functional isolation through proper spatial arrangement and phase center positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional planar configuration on the board surface. By utilizing both the first spatial direction R (for spacing) and the second spatial direction S (for offset and partial overlap), the design achieves compactness without compromising antenna function isolation.
2Length of stationary object
If the antenna apparatus size is reduced by arranging receiver antennas between transmitter antennas, then the apparatus footprint decreases, but the distance between transmitter antennas becomes insufficient to accommodate all receiver antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where receiver antennas are offset in the second spatial direction S relative to the transmitter antennas, rather than being symmetrically distributed. This asymmetric arrangement allows receiver antennas to be positioned between transmitter antennas in the first direction R while maintaining adequate transmitter spacing through offset in the second direction S.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spacing conflict by utilizing the second spatial direction S for offset positioning. This dimensional transition allows the system to maintain the required 4D distance between transmitter antennas in direction R while accommodating receiver antennas in the intermediate region through offset arrangement in direction S.
3Reliability
If transmitter antennas are offset in the second spatial direction S relative to receiver antennas, then functional separation is achieved, but the overall apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmitter and receiver antennas in a partially overlapping configuration on the same board plane, rather than completely separating them. The phase centers of receiver antennas are positioned between the transmitter antennas, achieving functional separation while maintaining a compact overall area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the two-dimensional board surface effectively by arranging antennas in different positions along both spatial directions R and S. This planar optimization allows functional separation through offset in direction S while maintaining compactness through appropriate spacing in direction R.
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 configuration reduces the overall size of the antenna apparatus and minimizes signal attenuation, enabling efficient signal transmission and reception with a smaller footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first antenna has a reference plane and is configured to perform one of (I) transmission of a radio-wave signal in a predetermined emitting direction, and (II) reception of a reflection signal resulting from the transmission signal transmitted in the predetermined emitting direction
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a smaller form factor while maintaining functionality through a virtual antenna array configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. Each of the second antenna and the third antenna transmits a radio-wave signal in a predetermined emitting direction. The first antenna receives a reflection signal resulting from the transmission signal transmitted in the predetermined emitting direction. The second antenna and the third antenna are arranged to be separate from one another in a second direction. The second antenna and the first antenna are arranged to be separate from each other in the first direction, and at least partially overlap each other as viewed in a first direction.