Multi-Beam Antenna Array With Slot Geometry For Near-Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-beam antenna arrays in near-field microwave imaging require rotation to adjust curvature, leading to complex transmission line layouts and reduced resolution due to interference and energy consumption, while also suffering from high side lobe levels that affect spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna structure features a substrate with first and second antenna units, where the first unit has slots with a wider inside and narrower outside, connected through a hole, allowing for configurable radiation beam direction without rotation and noise suppression by adjusting the number and arrangement of slots to control radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the focus plane is rotated to match the adjusted curvature for larger image generation, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the radiation patterns of each array unit interfere with one another and the transmission line layout becomes extremely complicated, resulting in reduced resolution and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the antenna array to match the curved focus plane, the patent inverts the approach by designing the antenna elements with specific slot geometries that naturally produce radiation patterns suitable for curved surfaces. The slots with wider inside and narrower outside shape create the desired radiation characteristics without requiring physical rotation of the array, thereby maintaining resolution while achieving extended imaging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing each antenna element with non-uniform slot geometry (wider inside, narrower outside) tailored to specific positions in the array. This localized optimization of each element's radiation pattern ensures that elements at different positions contribute appropriately to the overall curved surface imaging, eliminating interference issues that would arise from uniform rotation while maintaining high resolution.
2Area of stationary object
If the focus plane is rotated to match the adjusted curvature for larger image generation, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the transmission line layout becomes extremely complicated, resulting in increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach of rotating the entire antenna array by instead designing fixed antenna elements with optimized slot geometries. This eliminates the mechanical rotation and associated complex transmission line routing, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve extended imaging coverage through optimized radiation patterns.
3Power
If the antenna array is designed with high side lobe levels to increase radiation intensity, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the spatial resolution of the lens is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing each antenna element with specifically shaped slots (wider inside, narrower outside) that control the radiation pattern to achieve appropriate side lobe levels. This localized optimization ensures that each element contributes to both sufficient radiation intensity and maintained spatial resolution, avoiding the trade-off that would result from uniform high side lobe levels across the entire array.
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 configuration maintains spatial resolution by reducing side lobe levels and eliminating the need for antenna array rotation, enhancing the antenna's controllability and energy efficiency in near-field microwave imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna array is composed of a plurality of isotropic radiators. Amplitude and phase difference of radiation are caused by a current flowing through the antenna array.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure comprises a substrate, a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit. The substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The first antenna unit is disposed on the first surface, and comprises at least a first slot with a wider inside and narrower outside at the edge of the first antenna unit. The second antenna unit is disposed on the second surface, and is connected to the first antenna unit through a hole in the substrate. The radius of the at least one first slot is one-fourth the wavelength of the central frequency of the antenna structure.