Vehicle Radar Antenna Links Using Terahertz Dielectric Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radar sensor systems in motor vehicles require extensive wiring and shielding due to high-frequency signal transmission, leading to increased complexity and attenuation issues, which hinder the achievement of high angular resolution and flexibility in environmental data collection.
Innovation Solution
The use of terahertz radiation for signal transmission between the central device and antenna devices, employing dielectric waveguides like plastic fibers, which offer low attenuation and easy shielding, enabling coherent signal transmission and reception across multiple antennas for improved angular resolution and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency signals are transmitted using traditional coaxial or twisted-pair cables, then signal transmission is achieved, but significant attenuation and reflections occur leading to increased wiring complexity and shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical cable transmission (coaxial or twisted-pair cables) with terahertz radiation transmission through dielectric waveguides. This substitution eliminates the need for complex high-frequency electrical wiring and shielding, as terahertz radiation can be transmitted through simple dielectric structures with minimal attenuation and no reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from electrical conductors to dielectric waveguides operating in the terahertz frequency range. This parameter change allows signal transmission with significantly reduced attenuation and eliminated reflections, while simplifying the wiring structure from complex shielded cables to simple dielectric waveguide paths.
2Measurement precision
If multiple patch antennas are used to achieve high angular resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but each antenna requires separate high-frequency connection cables resulting in very high wiring complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex system of multiple separate high-frequency connection cables for each patch antenna with a unified terahertz radiation transmission system. Dielectric waveguides transmit terahertz signals to multiple antenna elements without requiring individual shielded cables, thereby maintaining high angular resolution while dramatically reducing wiring complexity.
3Reliability
If flexible coaxial cables or twisted-pair cables are used for high-frequency transmission, then signal transmission is achieved, but significant attenuation and reflections occur necessitating further increase in wiring complexity to prevent or compensate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional flexible coaxial or twisted-pair cables with dielectric waveguides that transmit terahertz radiation. This substitution inherently prevents the attenuation and reflection problems associated with traditional cables, eliminating the need for additional complex wiring to compensate for signal degradation.
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 approach allows for a more compact and flexible cable routing, achieving high angular resolution and spatial resolution of 10 to 30 cm at 100 m, while reducing wiring effort and maintaining signal coherence, thus enhancing the motor vehicle's ability to detect its surroundings effectively.
Implementation Method 1
signal transmission between the central unit and the antenna unit, or preferably several antenna units, in the terahertz range. Terahertz radiation is defined as electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm
Implementation Method 2
employing dielectric waveguides like plastic fibers, which offer low attenuation and easy shielding, enabling coherent signal transmission and reception
Implementation Method 3
detection device for angle-resolved detection of the motor vehicle's surroundings by means of a radar method
Implementation Method 4
Radar sensors are especially suitable for many detection tasks, as they enable the collection of high-resolution environmental data regardless of ambient lighting and largely independent of weather conditions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a detection device for detecting the area surrounding the motor vehicle in an angle-resolved manner using a radar method. The detection device comprises at least one antenna device (2 - 7), which is designed to transmit transmission signals and/or receive incoming signals, and a central device (14). The central device (14) and/or the antenna device (2 - 7) has at least one respective coupling device (21, 35) by means of which terahertz radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm can be coupled into a paired dielectric waveguide (20) of the motor vehicle (1) in order to transmit control signals for controlling the transmission of the transmission signals and/or the incoming signals or signals derived from the incoming signals between the central device (14) and the antenna device (2 - 7).