Parabolic-Hyperbolic Reflector Antenna for Wide-Angle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter-wave antenna technologies face challenges in achieving high gain, wide scan angles, high directivity, low sidelobe levels, dual-polarized beamforming, and energy efficiency, while maintaining stability as mobile devices change position, with existing solutions either lacking scanning ability, having low efficiency, or requiring complex structures.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device featuring a parabolic-hyperbolic reflector profile and a phased antenna array that illuminates the reflector, with the parabolic edges directed towards the radiating structure and hyperbolic edges directed away, allowing for increased scan angles and dual-polarized beamforming, while reducing parasitic diffraction lobes and improving energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional antenna arrays are used with scan angle restriction, then gain is maintained, but scan angle is limited to ±45 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a curved reflector surface with specific radius of curvature to redirect electromagnetic waves. The curved geometry enables the antenna to expand scan angles beyond the traditional ±45 degree limitation while maintaining gain performance, as the curvature allows waves to be reflected at wider angles without significant distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters including the radius of curvature of the reflector, spacing between antenna elements, and operating frequency to achieve optimal performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high gain across expanded scan angles and achieves wide beam coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If conformal antenna arrays or Luneburg lens antennas are used to expand scan angle, then scan angle increases to ±90 degrees, but device complexity and spatial dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into discrete planar antenna elements arranged in an array, with a separate curved reflector component. This segmentation allows each element to be simple and manufacturable, while the overall system achieves wide scan angles through the collective arrangement and reflector geometry, avoiding the need for complex conformal structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar array to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing a curved reflector surface. This dimensional change enables wide angle scanning capability without requiring the antennas themselves to be complex conformal structures, as the curvature is achieved through the reflector rather than the radiating elements
3Area of stationary object
If four antennas are arranged to cover 360 degrees, then coverage area is complete, but base station dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single antenna unit with expanded scan angles that can perform multiple directional coverage functions. By achieving wide scan angles of ±90 degrees or more, one antenna can replace what would traditionally require multiple antennas, reducing the number of units needed to cover 360 degrees while maintaining complete coverage area
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 antenna device achieves improved gain and directivity while expanding the scan angle beyond ±45 degrees, reducing complexity, and enhancing energy efficiency, enabling effective coverage with fewer antennas and simplified installation in base stations.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector having a profile of a parabolic shape in a first cross-section cut parallel to a first direction and a profile of a hyperbolic shape in a second cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device is provided. The antenna device includes a reflector having a profile of a parabolic shape in a first cross-section cut parallel to a first direction and a profile of a hyperbolic shape in a second cross-section, the second cross-section being cut perpendicular to the first direction and crossing the first cross-section at a right angle and a radiating structure having at least one phased antenna array adapted to illuminate at least part of the reflector and to scan a beam. The edges of the profile of the parabolic shape of the first cross-section are formed to be directed toward the radiating structure. The edges of the profile of the hyperbolic shape of the reflector are formed to be directed away from the radiating structure. The antenna device may be diversified depending on various embodiments.