Radar Beam Reflector Layout for Wider Field-of-View Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems have a limited field of view, typically covering less than 120°, and may require exclusion of certain areas from detection, necessitating an enhancement in radar sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A radar system comprising a radar sensor and a reflector that redirects a portion of the radar beam towards a target region different from the predefined region, allowing for expanded detection angles while maintaining sensitivity in the original field of view, and redirects reflections back to the sensor for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radar sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view is limited to less than 120°
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the radar sensor and the target region. The reflector redirects the radar beam to cover areas beyond the sensor's direct field of view, enabling a single sensor to achieve coverage that would otherwise require multiple sensors arranged in specific geometries
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view is expanded to cover more than 120°, then the detection coverage is improved, but the sensitivity in the original field of view may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into different regions handled by different mechanisms: the reflector handles regions beyond 120° while the original antenna maintains its sensitivity for the primary field of view. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific region without compromising overall system performance
3Area of stationary object
If multiple radar sensors or complex antenna configurations are used to expand detection range, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a simple intermediary structure that expands the effective detection range without requiring additional radar sensors or complex antenna configurations. This approach maintains system simplicity while achieving the desired detection coverage expansion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding coverage by adding more sensors in different spatial positions (adding dimensions), the solution uses a reflector to redirect beams, effectively utilizing the angular dimension to extend coverage beyond the original 120° limit while keeping the sensor array configuration simple
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 detection of objects beyond the original field of view, including lateral detection and exclusion of specific areas, with improved sensitivity and cost-effectiveness compared to using multiple sensors or complex antenna configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector is spaced apart from the radar sensor and configured to redirect at least part of the radar beam towards a target region different from the predefined region
Implementation Method 2
The reflector is further configured to redirect a reflection of the radar beam originating from the target region onto the radar sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system comprising a radar sensor is provided. The radar sensor comprises an antenna configured to emit a radar beam towards a predefined region. The radar system further comprises a reflector spaced apart from the radar sensor and configured to redirect at least part of the radar beam towards a target region different from the predefined region. The reflector is further configured to redirect a reflection of the radar beam originating from the target region onto the radar sensor.