Radar Sensor Phase Opposition Antenna Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensors for motor vehicles struggle to effectively locate objects at large azimuth angles, particularly for cross traffic monitoring, as existing systems are limited to a narrow angle range of −45° to +45°, which restricts their ability to detect vehicles approaching from the sides.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor system with a power supply system that supplies each pair of adjacent antenna elements with microwave power in phase opposition, forming distinct minor lobes to emit most power at large azimuth angles, and varying amplitudes to ensure uniform angular distribution, allowing detection of cross traffic from both sides using a single sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-phase microwave power is supplied to multiple adjacent antenna elements, then a conventional radar pattern with main lobe coverage of −45° to +45° is obtained, but objects at large azimuth angles cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the microwave power supplied to adjacent antenna elements from in-phase (0°) to phase opposition (180°). This parameter change transforms the radiation pattern from a conventional main lobe oriented at 0° to distinct minor lobes oriented at large azimuth angles (−90° to +90°), enabling detection of cross traffic while maintaining locating depth capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase opposition is applied to adjacent antenna elements, then coverage at large azimuth angles is improved, but gaps between main lobe and side lobes are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies amplitude tapering where different antenna elements have different amplitude weights. The amplitude decreases from the center elements toward the edge elements, which fills in the gaps between the main lobe and side lobes. This local quality variation ensures continuous coverage across the entire azimuth range from −90° to +90° without detection gaps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single radar sensor is used with phase opposition, then cross traffic detection is enabled, but uniform angular distribution requires amplitude variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single power supply system: it provides both the phase opposition (180°) to adjacent elements for cross traffic detection and the amplitude tapering for uniform angular distribution. This merged approach achieves comprehensive azimuth coverage and eliminates detection gaps without requiring separate antenna arrays or complex additional hardware.
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 the detection of cross traffic approaching from large azimuth angles, providing a wider coverage range of −90° to +90°, enhancing the radar sensor's capability to warn drivers of vehicles on the sides while maintaining effective locating depth and reducing gaps between main and side lobes.
Implementation Method 1
Distinct minor lobes are then formed by interference between the radar waves emitted by the different antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
Radar sensor for motor vehicles, including a transmitting antenna in the form of a planar array antenna having multiple adjacent antenna elements, and including a power supply system for supplying the antenna elements with microwave power. The power supply system is designed for supplying each pair of directly adjacent antenna elements with microwave power in phase opposition.