Semi-Convex MMWave Antenna Structure for 180-Degree Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mmWave antenna structures integrated into flat substrates provide limited coverage, typically around 120 degrees, which is insufficient for ensuring comprehensive coverage in confined spaces, and they face challenges with dense mounting, cooling, and imbalanced signal feeding due to long electrical traces.
Innovation Solution
Employing additive manufacturing to create asymmetric substrates with a convex front surface and a flat back surface, integrating radiative antenna elements, passive electrical filters, and conductive traces, allowing for 180-degree coverage and efficient integration of active components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat substrate is used for antenna integration, then manufacturing and component mounting are simplified, but antenna coverage is limited to about 120 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from a flat substrate to a convex substrate with a curved front surface. This curvature allows antenna elements to be distributed across a three-dimensional surface, extending the coverage arc from 120 degrees to 180 degrees or more while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through additive manufacturing processes
2Quantity of substance
If antenna elements are densely mounted on a flat substrate, then coverage area is limited, but trace length increases causing imbalanced signal feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat substrate to a three-dimensional convex substrate. This dimensional change allows antenna elements to be positioned on a curved surface, reducing the variation in trace lengths from the feed point to different antenna elements, thereby improving signal feeding balance while accommodating more antenna elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If a convex substrate is used to extend coverage to 180 degrees, then antenna coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the substrate from flat to convex with specific curvature characteristics. This parameter change enables extended coverage while the curvature is designed to be compatible with additive manufacturing processes, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance improvement
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus comprises an additively manufactured body having a back surface with one or more flat regions and a substantially convex front surface opposite the back surface, as well as one or more of any of the following: a radiative antenna element attached to the front surface; a radiative antenna element integrated into or near the front surface via additive manufacturing; a passive electrical filter component integrated into the body via additive manufacturing; and an electrically conductive trace integrated into the body via additive manufacturing and arranged to provide an electrical connection from the back surface of the body to the front surface of the body or to a passive electrical filter component integrated into the body.