Low Profile Antenna with Planar Deflector and Matching Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam scanning antennas face challenges in achieving a low profile with high efficiency, as electronic solutions result in complex and inefficient systems, while mechanical solutions are bulky and suffer from high secondary and grating lobes, making them incompatible with regulatory standards for applications like satellite communications.
Innovation Solution
A new architecture for phase gradient planar deflectors operating in environments with refractive index greater than one, utilizing transition devices to manage radiation passage between mediums with different refractive indices, minimizing secondary and grating lobes while maintaining a compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If electronic devices are used to change beam direction, then the antenna profile is reduced, but the system complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic phase shifters and feeding networks with a mechanical beam deflection system using a planar deflector with rotating inclusions. This mechanical approach eliminates the complex electronic feeding network while achieving beam steering, thus reducing system complexity and improving efficiency while maintaining low profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the beam deflection mechanism by using a planar deflector with inclusions that can be rotated to different angular positions. By changing the angular parameter of the inclusions, the beam direction is controlled mechanically without electronic components, resolving the contradiction between low profile and system complexity.
2Device complexity
If metallic parabolic reflectors are used for mechanical beam scanning, then system complexity is reduced, but the structural bulk increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a planar deflector with a thin structure containing rotating inclusions, replacing the bulky metallic parabolic reflector. This thin-film-like structure achieves beam scanning with minimal structural bulk while maintaining mechanical simplicity, directly addressing the contradiction between reduced complexity and reduced volume.
3Length of moving object
If planar deflectors with periodic modulation are used, then the antenna profile is reduced, but grating lobes and secondary lobes increase in level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using inclusions with specifically optimized local geometries and orientations at different positions across the planar deflector. Each local region is tailored to contribute to the desired phase gradient while minimizing grating lobes, allowing low profile operation with controlled sidelobe levels through localized structural optimization.
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 solution enables a low-profile, high-efficiency beam scanning antenna with minimized secondary and grating lobes, compliant with regulatory standards, allowing for wide angular scanning and reduced interference, particularly beneficial for satellite communications.
Implementation Method 1
said deflector comprising a plurality of inclusions configured to add a phase gradient to the wave coming from said wave launcher whereby they orient said wave in a certain direction
Implementation Method 2
said deflector is configured to work in an environment with refractive index greater than one
Implementation Method 3
one or more matching devices are included for managing passage of the wave from a medium with refractive index greater than one to a medium with refractive index one and/or vice versa
Implementation Method 4
manage gradual passage of radiation from a medium with refractive index greater than one to air (refractive index one) and vice versa
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This invention concerns an antenna system comprising: - a wave launcher (10, 210); - a deflection system configured to deflect the wave and comprising at least one planar deflector (20, 30; 210, 220), said planar deflector comprising a plurality of inclusions (300) configured to add a phase gradient to the wave incident on said deflector; - according to the invention, said inclusions are configured to work in an environment with refractive index greater than 1 and wherein, in addition, one or more matching devices are included at the outlet from and/or inlet to the deflector.