Planar Radar Antenna-Lens Isolation for Sidelobe Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar measuring devices, particularly in the V band, face challenges with poor sidelobe suppression and inadequate directional effect due to the use of planar antennas, which are not compliant with emission properties in higher frequency bands, leading to complex structures and high maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A radar measuring device with a general-diffuse planar antenna and a separating apparatus made of plastic, designed to prevent potting compound penetration between the antenna and lens, ensuring the antenna properties remain unaffected and allowing for a compact, explosion-proof design with improved sidelobe suppression and directional effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a planar antenna is used in V band radar measuring devices, then the device structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the sidelobe suppression and directional effect deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into a planar antenna element and a separate lens component. The lens is divided into multiple zones with different refractive indices, allowing each segment to contribute differently to beam shaping and sidelobe suppression while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining the planar antenna with a lens made of materials having specific refractive index properties. This composite approach enables the system to achieve both structural simplicity and improved electromagnetic radiation characteristics including better sidelobe suppression
2Reliability
If the housing is filled with potting compound for explosion protection, then safety in explosive environments is improved, but the antenna properties deteriorate due to compound penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the problematic interaction between potting compound and antenna by designing a configuration where the antenna and lens assembly is positioned such that potting compound cannot penetrate into the critical radiation area, thereby maintaining antenna properties while still providing explosion protection through housing filling
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure serves as an intermediary element that prevents direct contact between the potting compound and the antenna radiation path. The lens acts as a barrier that maintains the integrity of the antenna's electromagnetic field while allowing the housing to be filled with potting compound for explosion protection
3Productivity
If optical sensors are used for distance measurement, then measurement speed and cost-effectiveness are improved, but maintenance needs increase due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing mechanisms with radar-based electromagnetic wave detection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical and optical components that are susceptible to contamination, thereby reducing maintenance needs while maintaining measurement capabilities in harsh industrial environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from optical reflection (prone to contamination) to electromagnetic wave time-of-flight measurement. This parameter change enables measurement in environments where optical sensors would fail or require frequent maintenance, as radar waves are not affected by dust, fog, or other contaminants
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and reliable radar measuring device with enhanced measurement accuracy and reduced maintenance needs by maintaining antenna properties and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while also being suitable for use in potentially explosive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a lens (103, 301) arranged in a main emission direction H of the planar antenna for radiation emitted from the planar antenna
Implementation Method 2
a separating apparatus (303, 401) is arranged in the housing (101, 306, 402) and is designed and arranged in such a way that a penetration of the potting compound (302) into an area within the separating apparatus (303, 401) and between the antenna and the lens (103, 301) is prevented
Data Source
AI summary
A radar measuring device with a housing at least partially filled with a potting compound, a general-diffuse planar antenna arranged in the housing, at least one transmitter and at least one receiver that are connected to the planar antenna, and a lens arranged in a main emission direction of the planar antenna for radiation emitted from the planar antenna, wherein a separating apparatus is arranged in the housing and is designed and arranged in such a way that a penetration of the potting compound into an area within the separating apparatus and between the antenna and the lens is prevented.