Frequency-Reconfigurable Antenna for Multi-Field Radar Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar sensing systems in autonomous vehicles require multiple antennas to achieve different fields of view, increasing system cost.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable antenna that adjusts its radiation pattern based on signal frequency, allowing it to switch between wide and narrow fields of view, thereby reducing the need for multiple antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antennas are used to provide different fields of view, then the radar sensing system achieves various radiation patterns, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidnumber of antennas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate in multiple modes to provide different radiation patterns and fields of view. The antenna includes a first radiator and a second radiator that can be selectively activated based on the desired field of view, allowing one antenna to replace multiple antennas and achieve various radiation patterns including wide scan and narrow scan modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic switching between different radiator configurations to change the radiation pattern characteristics. A switching mechanism selectively connects the first and second radiators to different feed points or transmission lines, enabling the antenna to dynamically transition between wide field of view and narrow field of view modes based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antennas are used to provide different fields of view, then the radar sensing system achieves various radiation patterns, but the hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation pattern varietyVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple radiator elements (first radiator and second radiator) into a single integrated antenna structure that shares common support, feeding mechanisms, and housing. This merging approach allows the antenna to provide multiple radiation patterns while reducing the total quantity of hardware components compared to using separate antennas for each pattern

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single antenna is used, then the hardware cost is reduced, but the ability to provide different fields of view is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna configurationVSAvoidfield of view flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single antenna into distinct radiator segments (first radiator and second radiator) that can be independently controlled and switched. Each radiator segment contributes to different aspects of the radiation pattern, and by selectively activating specific segments, the antenna achieves field of view flexibility comparable to multiple antennas while maintaining a single antenna structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reconfigurable antenna provides cost-effective multiple fields of view by dynamically adjusting its radiation pattern, enhancing detection range and accuracy while minimizing hardware requirements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one filter configured to filter signals within at least a first frequency band and to pass signals within at least a second frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

Each of the radiators comprises a respective delay line configured to generate, based on frequency band, a shape of the radiation pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime delay:

Data Source

PatentEP4195408B1antenna

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG

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AI summary

An antenna includes an input port, configured to communicatively connect to a signal processing unit and to transmit or receive a signal that causes the antenna to provide a radiation pattern for one of a plurality of fields of view. The antenna further comprises a signal divider, at least one filter, and a plurality of radiators. The signal divider is configured to communicate the signal from the input port and to a plurality of radiator ports. The at least one filter is configured to filter signals within at least a first frequency band and to pass signals within at least a second frequency band. The plurality of radiators is connected to the plurality of radiator ports, each of the radiators comprising a respective delay line configured to generate, based on frequency band, a shape of the radiation pattern, a respective delay line of at least a first radiator being connected to a first radiator port, and a respective delay line of at least a second radiator being connected to a second radiator port via the at least one filter.