Radar Sensor With Tilted Dielectric Lenses For Multi-Directional Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar sensors have limited directional flexibility and detection range, making it difficult to monitor environments effectively, especially in motor vehicles, where multiple directions need to be monitored simultaneously with a compact and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
The use of dielectric lenses with tilted optical axes and planar antenna elements on a circuit board allows for the creation of radar sensors with multiple main beam directions that deviate from the normal, enabling the sensor to monitor environments in various directions by aligning the main beam directions at predefined angles relative to the circuit board surface, and incorporating features like cylinder lenses, reflectors, and bistatic antenna configurations to enhance detection range and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional radar sensors use a single antenna element perpendicular to the circuit board, then the design is simple and cost-effective, but the directional flexibility and detection range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor is divided into multiple antenna elements arranged in specific patterns on the circuit board, with each element contributing to different beam directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-directional coverage without requiring a single complex movable antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single perpendicular antenna element to multiple antenna elements distributed across the circuit board plane, utilizing the two-dimensional board surface to create three-dimensional beam coverage. This dimensional expansion enables multiple main beam directions to be formed simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements are used to achieve multiple beam directions, then the detection range and directional coverage are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements share common support structures, mounting mechanisms, and control systems, allowing them to perform both individual and collective functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall manufacturing cost compared to having separate single-antenna systems for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated radar sensor unit with shared housing, power supply, and signal processing electronics. This merging approach achieves multi-directional detection while avoiding the costs of multiple separate sensor systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna elements are arranged to create multiple main beam directions, then the environmental monitoring capability is enhanced, but the alignment precision and beam direction control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna element is positioned with specific local characteristics and orientations optimized for its particular role in the array. The support structures and mounting positions are tailored to achieve precise beam directions for each element, ensuring accurate environmental monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system incorporates signal processing and control mechanisms that provide feedback on actual beam directions versus intended directions. This feedback enables real-time adjustment and calibration of beam directions, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring precise environmental monitoring.
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
This configuration allows for a compact, cost-effective radar sensor with enhanced directional flexibility and detection range, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple directions with high resolution, and a larger utilizable bandwidth, independent of frequency and circuit board tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dielectric lens or a plurality of dielectric lenses or a lens having a plurality of partial lenses, which is situated in the optical path of the antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
A radar sensor having a plurality of main beam directions, and having a circuit board on which one or a plurality of antenna elements for transmitting and/or receiving of the radar radiation is/are situated. In addition, the radar sensor has at least one or a plurality of dielectric lenses which is/are situated in the optical path of the antenna elements, the optical axis of the dielectric lens being tilted in relation to the main beam direction of the at least one or the plurality of antenna elements under an angle that is greater than zero degrees so that at least one main beam direction of the radar sensor is fixed at a predefined angle to the vertical of the circuit board surface.