Radar Antenna Wavefront Shaping for Near-Field Target Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems face challenges in accurately detecting and distinguishing multiple targets of various sizes at varying distances due to signal loss and distortion in the near field, leading to compromised accuracy and reliability, especially when observing small atmospheric constituents.
Innovation Solution
An antenna assembly comprising a feed antenna and a focusing element that collimates outbound radio waves into concave waves for transmission and receives inbound radio waves as convex waves, enabling constructive addition of backscattered signals even in the near field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional antenna assembly with a feed antenna and lens element is used to transmit plane waves, then far field target detection is effective, but near field target detection suffers from signal loss and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wavefront curvature adaptable to target distance. The antenna assembly dynamically switches between transmitting plane waves (for far field targets) and spherical waves (for near field targets), allowing the system to optimize performance for different operational ranges rather than being fixed in one mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavefront curvature parameter based on target distance. By switching between plane wave (infinite curvature) and spherical wave (finite curvature) transmission modes, the system adjusts the wave parameters to match the specific detection scenario, improving both near and far field detection capabilities
2Length of stationary object
If the antenna assembly transmits plane waves for far field observation, then long distance target detection is effective, but small atmospheric constituents in the near field cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its wave transmission mode based on the distance to the target. For near field targets such as small atmospheric constituents, it switches to spherical wave transmission which provides better signal concentration and detection capability, while maintaining plane wave capability for far field observations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different wave transmission characteristics for different spatial regions. Spherical waves are used for near field regions where small targets are located, while plane waves are used for far field regions, optimizing detection precision for each local area
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple targets of various sizes at various distances are observed simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but signal loss and distortion compromise the ability to distinguish and characterize individual targets
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly dynamically adjusts its operation to switch between plane wave and spherical wave transmission modes, allowing it to adapt to different target scenarios. This dynamic capability enables comprehensive monitoring of multiple targets while maintaining the ability to distinguish their individual characteristics by selecting the appropriate wave mode for each target's distance and size
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
Enhances detection and characterization of targets in both near and far fields with improved signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, allowing for accurate determination of target positions, velocities, sizes, and shapes, particularly in meteorological and atmospheric applications.
Implementation Method 1
a feed antenna (111) arranged to radiate outbound radio waves that represent a transmitted RF signal supplied thereto and capture a received RF signal that represents inbound radio waves received thereat
Implementation Method 2
a focusing element (112) arranged to collimate the outbound radio waves into a transmitter beam (113) for transmission towards a monitoring direction and to focus a receiver beam (116) of inbound radio waves received at the focusing element from the monitoring direction
Implementation Method 3
a focusing element (112) arranged to collimate the outbound radio waves into a transmitter beam (113) for transmission towards a monitoring direction and to focus a receiver beam (116) of inbound radio waves
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, an antenna assembly for a radar apparatus is provided, the antenna assembly comprising: a feed antenna arranged to radiate outbound radio waves that represent a transmitted RF signal supplied thereto and capture a received RF signal that represents inbound radio waves received thereat; and a focusing element arranged to collimate the outbound radio waves into a transmitter beam for transmission towards a monitoring direction and focus inbound radio waves of a receiver beam received at the focusing element from the monitoring direction for reception at the feed antenna, wherein the arrangement of the feed antenna and the focusing element is configured to transmit the transmitter beam as a sequence of substantially concave radio waves and receive the receiver beam as a sequence of substantially convex radio waves.