Multi-beam Radar Sensor Azimuth Precision via Partial Lens Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-beam radar sensors face limitations in angular detection precision due to the offset of antenna elements and interference effects, resulting in reduced accuracy in determining azimuth angles, especially near ±10°.
Innovation Solution
A preliminary focusing lens is strategically placed to affect only a portion of the radiation, focusing a portion of the beams before they reach the main lens, thereby altering the aperture occupancy and increasing the width of the principal maximum in the azimuth diagram, allowing for improved azimuth angle determination with reduced variance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a preliminary focusing lens is disposed to affect all radiation transmitted by antenna elements, then compact design is achieved, but angular detection precision deteriorates due to reduced aperture occupancy and narrower principal maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary focusing lens is designed to affect only a portion of the radiation transmitted by the antenna elements, rather than all radiation. This local application allows the lens to provide compactness benefits in specific regions while preserving the aperture occupancy and principal maximum width in other regions, thereby maintaining angular detection precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are offset in the lateral direction to generate angularly offset beams, then multi-beam coverage is achieved, but interference effects increase and reduce transmission characteristic
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary focusing lens is positioned and dimensioned to affect only specific portions of the radiation from specific antenna elements. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain multi-beam coverage capability while reducing interference effects by selectively focusing radiation in regions where it is most beneficial, without causing harmful interference in other regions.
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 enhances the precision of azimuth angle determination by shifting the first zero positions to higher angles, enabling more accurate angle estimation over a broader range, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective production process.
Implementation Method 1
the preliminary focusing lens has the effect that a portion of the beams emitted by the four antenna elements is focused before striking the main lens
Implementation Method 2
The radar radiation emitted or received by the plurality of antenna elements disposed next to each other passes through the collective lens shared by all antenna elements and is bundled in this manner
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-beam radar sensor has a plurality of antenna elements disposed next to each other, a collective lens situated at a distance in front of the antenna elements, and an additional preliminary focusing lens disposed in such a way that it affects only a portion of the radar radiation transmitted from, and/or received by, the antenna elements.