Radome Measuring Clamp for Radar Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radome materials used to protect radar sensors from external factors introduce unwanted effects such as signal attenuation, beam deflection, and sidelobe increase, particularly in high-frequency radar systems used in the automotive industry, which can compromise the accuracy and detection capability of radar sensors.
Innovation Solution
A radome measuring clamp is designed to measure the effects of radomes on electromagnetic waves, allowing for direct measurement of attenuation, phase shift, and other effects. The clamp features a modular structure with a base frame, arms, and antenna heads, enabling it to adapt to various radome shapes and sizes, and can be integrated into production lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radome is implemented around the radar to protect it against external factors, then the radar is protected from weather conditions and external elements, but the radome causes signal attenuation and other unwanted effects that decrease detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical/reflection-based measurement methods with direct electromagnetic wave transmission measurement. By using a transmitting antenna to send electromagnetic waves through the radome to a receiving antenna, the system directly measures transmission characteristics (attenuation, phase shift) without relying on reflection paths, thereby achieving accurate radome effect characterization while maintaining radar protection.
2Measurement precision
If radar operates in high frequencies (70-90 GHz) to achieve better accuracy and resolution, then detection resolution is improved, but signal attenuation becomes highly susceptible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of radome transmission characteristics at the specific high frequency (70-90 GHz) before actual radar operation. By characterizing the radome's attenuation and phase shift effects in advance at the operational frequency, the system can compensate for these known losses during detection, thereby maintaining high resolution while accounting for frequency-dependent attenuation.
3Device complexity
If indirect reflection-based measurement methods are used to quantify radome attenuation, then measurement setup is simpler, but measurement errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes indirect reflection-based measurement with direct transmission measurement using transmitter and receiver antennas positioned on opposite sides of the radome. This direct electromagnetic measurement through the radome material provides accurate transmission characteristics without the errors inherent in reflection-based indirect methods, while maintaining reasonable measurement setup complexity.
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 radome measuring clamp provides accurate measurements of the effects caused by radomes on radar signals, enabling compensation for these effects during radar sensing and ensuring improved accuracy and reliability of radar systems, particularly in high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna (7T), configured for emitting electromagnetic waves and a receiving antenna (7R), configured for receiving electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
the radome may cause unwanted reflections, attenuation, beam deflection, beam broadening, sidelobe increase, etc.
Implementation Method 3
the radome may cause unwanted reflections, attenuation, beam deflection, beam broadening, sidelobe increase, etc.
Implementation Method 4
measuring at least one difference between the transmitted and received electromagnetic waves... phase shift
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention generally relates devises, systems and methods for measuring effects of a radome on an electromagnetic wave. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a radome measuring clamp comprising a base frame, a first arm attached to the base frame and two antenna heads, each configured for attaching at least one antenna therein. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a radome measuring system and method.