Reflective Transducer Array Layout for Omnidirectional Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for omnidirectional operation, such as those used in automotive radar, are cumbersome due to the use of electromechanical parts like motors and drive assemblies, which increase size, weight, complexity, and cost, and require complex cabling, making them impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A transducer system comprising a base unit with one or more reflector units, where reflective plates are mounted at an acute angle to reflect wave signals onto transducer arrays, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning and reducing the need for multiple panels and cabling by integrating all electronics into a single base unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertically arranged arrays of antenna elements are used to achieve omnidirectional coverage, then 360° volume coverage is attained, but the system becomes cumbersome with multiple receptacles, extensive cabling, increased weight, and higher complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate receptacles and cabling systems into a single integrated base unit. The base unit consolidates what were previously separate components (multiple first receptacles with driver electronics and a second receptacle with processing hardware) into one unified structure, eliminating the need for extensive cabling through the center of the assembly and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining 360° omnidirectional coverage capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical scanning systems are used to achieve 360° coverage, then omnidirectional imaging is possible, but the system requires motors and drive assemblies that increase cost, size, weight, and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical scanning systems with a static array configuration. Instead of using motors and drive assemblies to mechanically rotate or scan antenna elements, the system uses multiple vertically arranged antenna elements in a fixed configuration that naturally provides omnidirectional coverage. This substitution eliminates heavy moving parts while achieving the same functional goal of 360° coverage
3Reliability
If conventional antenna panels with stacked elements are used, then RF signal transmission and reception is achieved, but the feed circuitry and cabling create additional technical complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates feed circuitry and processing hardware into a unified base unit rather than distributing them across multiple separate receptacles. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of discrete components that need to be assembled and connected, while still maintaining reliable RF signal transmission and reception through the vertically arranged antenna elements
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient omnidirectional coverage without mechanical scanning, simplifying height adjustments and reducing the overall size, weight, and complexity of the antenna system.
Implementation Method 1
the or each reflective plate having an outer reflective surface and being mounted relative to the base unit such that the outer reflective surface thereof extends at an acute angle relative to a portion of the outer surface of said base unit having therein or thereon a transducer array associated therewith, such that, in use, wave signals generated and radiated by said active transducer elements of a transducer array are radiated onto, and reflected outwardly from, a reflective surface of a said reflector unit associated therewith, and wave signals incident on a reflective surface of a said reflector unit are reflected thereby onto the transducer elements of a said transducer array associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer for transmitting/receiving wave signals simultaneously from an environment. The transducer comprises a base unit (32) and one or more reflective plates (36) mounted relative to the base unit (32). The base unit (32) carries one or more transducer arrays (30) associated with the or each reflective plate. The reflective plate(s) are mounted relative to the base unit (32) such that it extends at an acute angle relative to a portion of the outer surface of the base unit (32) having a transducer array (30) associated with it. In use, wave signals generated and radiated by the active transducer elements of a transducer array (30) are radiated onto, and reflected outwardly from, a reflective plate associated with it, and wave signals incident on a reflective surface of a said reflective plate are reflected onto the transducer elements (30) of a transducer array.