Planar Multi-Element Radar Antenna Array for 360-Degree Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar systems have limited field of view, making it difficult to achieve a 360° coverage without mechanical constructs, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency in gesture recognition and motion detection applications.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with multiple directional antennas disposed on a planar surface, each with a fixed orientation and position, providing individual coverage of less than 360°, collectively covering a 360° region, allowing for beam steering and improved spatial resolution without mechanical rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If mechanical constructs are used to achieve 360° coverage, then field of view is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system divides the 360° coverage requirement into multiple directional antenna elements, each covering a specific sector. By segmenting the coverage area and using multiple fixed directional antennas instead of one mechanical rotating antenna, the system achieves complete coverage without mechanical movement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full field of view.
2Area of moving object
If mechanical constructs are used to achieve 360° coverage, then field of view is improved, but operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a fixed multi-element antenna array. Instead of mechanically rotating a single antenna to scan the environment, the system uses multiple directional antennas simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals in different directions. This substitution of mechanical movement with a static electromagnetic field array dramatically improves operation efficiency by enabling parallel detection across all directions at once.
3Area of moving object
If multiple directional antennas are used, then 360° coverage is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna element in the array is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a transmitter and receiver. The same directional antenna elements that transmit RF signals also receive reflected signals for detection. This universality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate transmit and receive antenna sets, while still achieving complete 360° coverage through the combined directional patterns of all elements.
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 efficient 360° coverage and detection of objects and gestures in all directions, reducing system complexity and cost while enhancing motion detection and gesture recognition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a plurality of transmitted radio frequency (RF) signals by a plurality of directional antennas
Implementation Method 2
receiving a reflected RF signal by a directional antenna of the plurality of directional antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a radar system includes transmitting a plurality of transmitted radio frequency (RF) signals by a plurality of directional antennas. The plurality of directional antennas is disposed on a planar surface of a substrate. Each of the plurality of antennas is in a fixed orientation and position on the planar surface. A respective individual coverage of each of the plurality of directional antennas is less than 360°. A combined coverage of the plurality of transmitted RF signals completely covers a 360° region surrounding the radar system. The method also includes receiving a reflected RF signal by a directional antenna of the plurality of directional antennas.