Slanted Antenna Rows for Directional Gain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antenna panels face challenges in increasing directionality without adding more antennas or phase shifters, which is impractical due to cost and complexity considerations, especially in high-frequency wireless communications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of configurable slanted antenna rows and the use of millimeter-scale piezo-actuators or MEMS actuators to adjust the angle of antenna rows, allowing for enhanced directionality without increasing the number of antennas or phase shifters, combined with lens-enhanced designs to focus RF beams and improve gain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If more antennas and phase shifters are added to increase directionality, then the directionality of the phased array antenna panel is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedirectionalityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna rows mechanically adjustable through tilting mechanisms. The antenna rows can be tilted to different angles to dynamically change the beam direction and coverage area. This dynamic adjustment allows a fixed number of antennas to achieve variable directionality and coverage patterns without adding more antenna elements or phase shifters, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving directionality and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by varying the tilt angle of antenna rows to achieve different beam directions and coverage areas. By changing the geometric parameter (tilt angle) of existing antenna rows, the system can adapt its radiation pattern and directional characteristics without adding more hardware components. This parameter adjustment approach enables flexible control of directionality while maintaining a fixed antenna count, thus resolving the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of stationary object

If more antennas and phase shifters are added to increase directionality, then the directionality of the phased array antenna panel is improved, but the cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedirectionalityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical tilting mechanism allows existing antenna rows to be repositioned dynamically, providing variable directionality and coverage adjustment. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to achieve multiple beam directions and coverage patterns using the same fixed set of antennas, eliminating the need to manufacture and deploy additional expensive antenna elements and phase shifters, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining improved directionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the tilt angle parameter of antenna rows, the system achieves different directional characteristics and coverage areas. This parameter-based control allows a single set of antennas to perform the function of multiple antenna sets would otherwise be needed, reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing and installing additional antenna elements and phase shifters while still achieving enhanced directionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enhances the directionality and gain of phased array antenna panels, enabling effective wireless communication without the need for additional hardware, thus optimizing performance in high-frequency applications.

Implementation Method 1

The use of millimeter-scale piezo-actuators or MEMS actuators to adjust the angle of antenna rows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

lens-enhanced designs to focus RF beams and improve gain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10135153B2Phased array antenna panel with configurable slanted antenna rows
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 MOVANDI CORP
  • US10135153B2 patent drawing
  • US10135153B2 patent drawing
  • US10135153B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A phased array antenna panel includes a plurality of antennas and a master chip. The antennas are arranged in a plurality of antenna rows. At least one antenna row in the plurality of antenna rows is configured to be slanted in a desired angle based on signals received from the master chip. Additionally, the phased array antenna panel can include a plurality of row-shaped lenses. At least one row-shaped lens has a corresponding antenna row, and is configured to increase a gain of the corresponding antenna row. The row-shaped lens can increase a total gain of the phased array antenna panel. The row-shaped lens is configured to be slanted in a desired angle based on signals received from the master chip.