Phase Control Plate Using Overlapping Admittance Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dielectric lenses hinder device thinning due to their thickness, and existing technologies struggle to achieve phase control over a range from 0 to 360 degrees without using them.

Innovation Solution

A phase control plate composed of n layers of overlapping admittance sheets with different admittances, alternately laminated with (n-1) layers of dielectric sheets, which control magnetic permeability and dielectric constant to achieve phase control without a dielectric lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dielectric lens is used to control the phase of electromagnetic waves, then phase control capability is improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase control capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the dielectric lens into multiple thin layers (first dielectric layer, second dielectric layer, third dielectric layer, etc.) with different dielectric constants. Each layer contributes a specific phase shift, and by combining multiple layers with different properties, the total phase control range reaches 0-360 degrees while keeping each individual layer thin, thus reducing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite structures combining multiple dielectric materials with different dielectric constants (εr1, εr2, εr3, etc.) arranged in alternating thin layers. This composite approach enables precise phase control by adjusting the thickness and material properties of each layer, achieving full 360-degree phase coverage without requiring a single thick dielectric lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of dielectric layers is increased to expand phase control range, then phase control range is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase control rangeVSAvoidnumber of layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different dielectric constants to different layers (εr1 ≠ εr2 ≠ εr3) and varies the thickness of each layer locally. This local differentiation allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall phase shift, enabling comprehensive 0-360 degree phase control while maintaining a manageable number of layers through optimized local properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables phase control over a wide range from 0 to 360 degrees while avoiding the thickness issues associated with dielectric lenses, maintaining high transmissivity and impedance matching.

Implementation Method 1

A phase control plate controlling a phase of an electromagnetic wave... n layers of overlapping admittance sheets... control magnetic permeability and dielectric constant to achieve phase control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave phase control: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11245195B2Phase control plate

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 NEC CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a phase control plate including n layers (n≥4) of overlapping admittance sheets (10-1 to 10-6) each of which includes a plurality of plane unit cells, in which an admittance of a first plane unit cell included in an admittance sheet in a layer a (1≤a≤n) and an admittance of a second plane unit cell being included in an admittance sheet in a layer b (1≤b≤n and b≠a) and overlapping the first plane unit cell are different from each other.