Reduced Profile Antenna Assembly Using Higher-Order Wave Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar system antenna assemblies are often bulky and heavy, limiting their use in size and weight-constrained applications such as aircraft and watercraft, where minimizing size and weight is desirable.
Innovation Solution
A reduced profile antenna assembly is designed using a microstrip antenna array disposed within a U-shaped channel formed by two parallel conductive surfaces, optimized to excite higher-order wave propagation modes by adjusting the spacing and configuration of these surfaces relative to the antenna element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antenna assemblies are used to ensure reliable signal transmission and reception, then the radar system achieves adequate performance, but the antenna assembly becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wave propagation mode parameter from fundamental mode to higher-order modes (TE10, TE20, TE01). By operating in higher-order modes, the antenna can achieve the same radar performance with a smaller physical aperture, directly reducing the antenna assembly weight while maintaining signal transmission and reception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a U-shaped channel structure with parallel conductive surfaces that creates a new dimensional configuration for wave propagation. This U-shaped geometry with controlled spacing between surfaces enables higher-order mode propagation, allowing compact antenna design that would not be possible with conventional planar structures
2Reliability
If conventional antenna assemblies are used to ensure reliable signal transmission and reception, then the radar system achieves adequate performance, but the antenna assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wave propagation mode parameter from fundamental mode to higher-order modes (TE10, TE20, TE01). By operating in higher-order modes, the antenna can achieve the same radar performance with a smaller physical aperture, directly reducing the antenna assembly profile length while maintaining signal transmission and reception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a U-shaped channel structure with parallel conductive surfaces that creates a new dimensional configuration for wave propagation. This U-shaped geometry with controlled spacing between surfaces enables higher-order mode propagation, allowing compact antenna design with reduced profile that would not be possible with conventional planar structures
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 solution enables a compact and lightweight antenna assembly capable of transmitting and receiving signals efficiently in higher-order wave propagation modes, addressing the size and weight limitations of conventional radar system antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna element may be configured or optimized to transmit and/or receive a signal of a desired frequency
Implementation Method 2
The orientation of the two parallel surfaces may be configured to excite wave propagation modes of a higher order than a fundamental propagation mode for transmission or reception by the antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly is provided that may include an antenna element having first and second opposed sides. The antenna element may be configured to transmit or receive signals of a desired wavelength. The antenna assembly may also include a first conductive surface disposed proximate the first side of the antenna element and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the antenna element, and a second conductive surface disposed proximate the second side of the antenna element and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first antenna element. The second conductive surface may be substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the plane in which the first conductive surface lies. Collectively the first and second conductive surfaces may be configured to excite wave propagation modes of a higher order than a fundamental propagation mode for reception or transmission of signals of the desired wavelength by the antenna element.