Rotating Multi-Beam Antenna Layout for Lightweight Radar Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radar scanning systems are often complex, large, heavy, and costly, necessitating a need for a more elegant, small, light, and low-cost alternative.
Innovation Solution
A radar-scanning system utilizing a plurality of radially distributed antennas on a rotatable turret, which directs electromagnetic beams in different azimuthal angles to sweep conical figures across a field of view, allowing for direction, range, and velocity determination of objects using an image processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radar scanning systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but system complexity, size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements arranged radially around the projectile axis. Each antenna element can be independently controlled to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals in specific azimuthal directions, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive detection capability through coordinated operation of simpler individual components rather than a single complex antenna system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-beam or planar antenna arrangements to a three-dimensional radial configuration where antenna elements are distributed around the projectile axis. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables the system to scan the entire field of view by rotating the projectile, achieving complete coverage with simpler individual antenna elements
2Reliability
If traditional radar scanning systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple lightweight antenna elements distributed radially around the projectile. Each element is simpler and lighter than a single large traditional antenna, and their collective operation provides comprehensive detection capability while minimizing individual component weight and overall system mass
Solution Approach 2:
The radial antenna array configuration allows each antenna element to serve multiple functions: transmitting electromagnetic signals, receiving reflected signals, and contributing to detection in multiple azimuthal directions through rotational scanning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall system weight
3Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to improve spatial resolution and detection range, then imaging quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are arranged asymmetrically in a radial pattern around the projectile axis with different azimuthal orientations. This asymmetric radial configuration optimizes the spatial resolution and detection coverage by positioning antennas at strategically chosen angles, achieving superior imaging quality without requiring a symmetric but more complex array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the dynamic rotation of the projectile to enable each antenna element to scan different azimuthal directions over time. This dynamic scanning approach allows the use of fewer physical antenna elements while achieving comprehensive spatial coverage and high measurement precision, reducing system complexity compared to static multi-element arrays that would require more antennas to achieve the same coverage
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
Enables efficient two-dimensional imaging and object detection with improved spatial resolution and detection range, balancing the tradeoff between antenna count and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generator generates electromagnetic signals. Each of the plurality of antennas is electrically connected to the signal generator so as to receive an electromagnetic signal that causes the antenna to direct an electromagnetic beam
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of antennas senses a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the field of view
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to using a plurality of antennas radially distributed about a rotatable turret to sequentially scan a field of view. Each of the plurality of antennas directs an electromagnetic beam and senses its reflection along a principal direction defined by a roll position of the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle. The principal directions of the antennas have a unique azimuthal beam angle relative to a boresight ( i.e., axis of rotation). As the turret rotates, each of these antennas is sequentially turned on at a first roll position and off at a second roll position. This enables electromagnetic beams generated by the antennas to pan a scene both in azimuth and roll. An image processor then determines, based on the reflected signals received by the plurality of antennas, directions to and/or velocities of objects within the scanned field of view.