Patch Antenna Ground Layer for Under-Radar Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch antenna arrays in high-frequency radars have limited or no performance in detecting objects under the radar due to their narrow beam configuration, resulting in weak or no signal detection in the end-fire direction.
Innovation Solution
The patch antenna is modified by altering the ground layer to generate a radiation pattern with a beam perpendicular to the antenna aperture and an additional sub-beam parallel to it, using cut-outs or modifications in the ground layer to direct energy under the antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional patch antenna arrays use high antenna gain configuration, then long radar range is achieved, but detection capability under the radar deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground layer is segmented into multiple regions with different configurations. Specifically, the ground layer includes a first region with a first configuration and a second region with a second configuration, allowing different parts of the antenna to serve different functions - one region maintains high gain for long range while another region enables detection under the radar
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ground layer are assigned different local properties or configurations. The first region has a configuration optimized for boresight radiation patterns, while the second region has a configuration optimized for end-fire radiation patterns, enabling simultaneous achievement of long range and under-radar detection
2Length of moving object
If conventional patch antenna arrays use narrow beam configuration, then long radar range is achieved, but field of view under the radar deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground layer is divided into multiple regions with different configurations. The first region generates a narrow beam for long range detection, while the second region generates a broader radiation pattern that covers the area under the radar, thus achieving both long range and extended field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously through different regions of the ground layer. One region provides narrow beam long-range detection capability, while another region provides broad coverage for under-radar detection, making the system universally capable of both functions
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 extends the radar's field of view to detect objects under the radar without compromising boresight radiation, enabling detection of crawling, humans, and other movements.
Implementation Method 1
a radiating microstrip patch element with ground layer wherein the ground layer is configured such that a radiation pattern of the patch antenna comprises a beam perpendicular to the antenna aperture, and a sub-beam parallel to the antenna aperture
Implementation Method 2
the ground layer comprises one or more cut-outs near a bottom edge of the ground layer, the one or more cut-outs configured to generate distortion in the radiation pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A patch antenna comprises a radiating microstrip patch element; and a ground layer electromagnetically connected to the patch element, wherein the ground layer is configured such that a radiation pattern of the patch antenna comprises a beam perpendicular to the antenna aperture, and a sub-beam parallel to the antenna aperture.