Radiator With Ridged Feed Structure For Dual-Linear Polarization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna elements fail to achieve desired performance characteristics such as low profile, cost-effectiveness, and coincident phase-centered orthogonal polarization, particularly at large scan angles, with existing radiators like PUMA and TCDAs being suboptimal in these aspects.

Innovation Solution

A stacked patch antenna embedded in a cavity with a quadridge feed structure, featuring ridged waveguides for impedance matching and thermal management, and a modular construction with a triangular or square lattice design, providing coincident phase centers for dual-linear polarizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional radiators like PUMA or TCDAs are used, then low profile or polarization performance may be achieved, but coincident phase-centered orthogonal polarization and wide scan angle performance cannot be achieved simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoincident phase-centered orthogonal polarizationVSAvoidscan angle performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna element is divided into multiple stacked patch antennas, each handling specific polarization components. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each patch for coincident phase centers while maintaining overall dual-polarization functionality across wide scan angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from planar 2D radiator structures to a 3D stacked configuration with vertical separation between patches. This dimensional change enables coincident phase centers for orthogonal polarizations by positioning patches at different heights above the ground plane, resolving the scan angle performance limitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ridged waveguides are added for impedance matching, then bandwidth and impedance matching improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidwaveguide structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ridged waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides impedance matching between the feed circuit and antenna, enables thermal management through the ridged configuration, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality achieves bandwidth improvement without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If stacked patch antenna with quadridge feed structure is used, then wide bandwidth and coincident phase centers are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewide bandwidthVSAvoidmodular construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna assembly is segmented into modular stacked patches with standardized quadridge feed interfaces. This segmentation enables independent fabrication of patches that can be assembled through precision mounting, achieving wide bandwidth performance while managing manufacturing complexity through modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quadridge feed structure acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between multiple stacked patches and the feed circuit. This standardized interface mechanism enables precise alignment and electrical connection, facilitating wide bandwidth operation while streamlining the manufacturing and assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves wide bandwidth and wide scan angle performance with improved thermal management and impedance matching, enhancing the antenna's efficiency and stability, as demonstrated by a 20% bandwidth improvement over conventional single polarization radiators.

Implementation Method 1

the ridged waveguides provide impedance matching between the feed circuit and the antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance matching:

Implementation Method 2

waveguides including ridges extending into the waveguides, wherein the waveguides have an air interface to the feed circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 3

the housing comprises an electrically conductive material to support electromagnetic propagation and thermal management, the housing provides thermal connectivity to dissipate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11489262B1Radiator having a ridged feed structure

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for a radiator assembly having a feed circuit with an air interface to a quadridge feed structure to excite an antenna, such as a stacked patch antenna. Embodiments of the assembly can provide enhanced bandwidth, scan angle performance, and coincident phase centers for dual-linear polarizations.