Automotive Radar Frequency Selective Radome for Rain and Ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar performance is compromised by rain, snow, and ice accumulation on the radome, which interferes with radio waves and reduces the effectiveness of automotive radar systems.
Innovation Solution
A frequency selective structure is positioned in front of the radar's radiating surface, comprising arrays of micro-wires and patches with offset positions and rotational angles, which filters radio waves and includes super hydrophobic properties to repel precipitation and heating elements to maintain optimal temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a radome is used to protect the antenna, then the antenna is protected from environmental damage, but rain, snow, or ice can accumulate on the radome and interfere with radio waves, reducing radar performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a super hydrophobic coating to the radome that causes water, snow, and ice to repel and slide off the surface. This converts the harmful accumulation of precipitation into a beneficial self-cleaning effect, maintaining radar performance while preserving radome protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the radome by applying a super hydrophobic coating that changes the contact angle of water droplets to greater than 150 degrees. This parameter change in surface wettability prevents precipitation adhesion and maintains radio wave transmission efficiency
2Reliability
If a frequency selective structure is added to filter radio waves and prevent precipitation accumulation, then radar performance is optimized and precipitation is repelled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency selective structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters radio waves to optimize radar performance, provides structural support on the radome surface, and when combined with the super hydrophobic coating, actively repels precipitation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the frequency selective structure with the super hydrophobic coating application, integrating the electromagnetic filtering function with the precipitation repelling function in a single integrated system on the radome surface
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 structure enhances radar performance by minimizing signal interference and preventing ice and snow buildup, ensuring reliable operation in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A frequency selective structure may be positioned on a radar's radome and used to filter radio waves received by the radar's antennas
Implementation Method 2
the frequency selective structure has properties that can be used to help keep the radome clear from rain, snow, and ice
Implementation Method 3
heating elements to maintain optimal temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to frequency selective structures for automotive radar. A system may include a frequency selective structure that is coupled to a radome and configured to optimize a desired band-pass for specific performance by one or more antennas. The frequency selective structure may comprise arrays of micro-wires forming a plurality of intersections and one or more patches positioned at one or more intersections of the plurality of intersections. In some cases, at least one patch of the one or more patches may be positioned with an offset relative to a corresponding intersection of the one or more intersections and the frequency selective structure has a rotational angle with respect to an antenna polarization of the one or more antennas. The frequency selective structure may be connected to a current source that can modify the temperature of the structure to melt rain or snow off the radome.