Space-fed array with switches for dual-mode operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Airborne sensor arrays face challenges in reducing weight and power requirements while maintaining effective antenna coverage and beam scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A space-fed array design that is selectively operable in reflective or feed-through modes, featuring a primary array with radiating elements, phase shifters, and switches, allowing for dual-band operation and efficient RF power distribution to a large number of radiating elements, reducing RF insertion loss and simplifying the feed network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional airborne sensor array uses a complex feed network to distribute RF power to many radiating elements, then the antenna coverage and beam scanning capabilities are maintained, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array is divided into multiple independently controllable sub-arrays or groups of radiating elements. Each group can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the system to maintain full antenna coverage capability while using only the necessary portion of the array at any given time, thereby reducing weight and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The array employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow real-time reconfiguration of active radiating elements based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain full versatility in antenna coverage and beam scanning while minimizing the number of active elements, thus reducing weight and power usage.
2Loss of energy
If a traditional airborne sensor array uses extensive feed network components, then RF power distribution to radiating elements is achieved, but RF insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate feed network components from the RF power distribution path. By using a simplified feed structure with fewer transitions and connections, RF insertion loss is reduced while maintaining effective power distribution to all radiating elements through optimized direct feeding paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an optimized feed structure that acts as an efficient intermediary between the power source and radiating elements. This intermediary uses streamlined transmission paths and minimized impedance transformations to reduce RF insertion loss while maintaining full distribution capability across the array.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional airborne sensor array uses a fixed operational mode, then the system design is simplified, but the versatility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The array is designed with multi-functional radiating elements that can operate in different modes (transmit, receive, reflect, or remain inactive) depending on operational requirements. Each element incorporates switching capability that allows it to serve multiple functions, providing operational flexibility without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The array employs self-contained switching mechanisms integrated at each radiating element or small group of elements, allowing local control decisions without requiring complex centralized control. This self-service approach enables operational flexibility while minimizing overall system complexity by distributing intelligence to the element level.
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 enables efficient dual-band operation with reduced weight and power consumption, allowing for extensive antenna coverage and flexible beam scanning, addressing the limitations of existing airborne sensor arrays.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the phase shifters is adapted to provide a variable phase shift between 0 and 180 degrees
Implementation Method 2
The closed position corresponds to the reflective mode
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A space-fed array is selectively operable in a reflective mode or in a feed through mode. The array includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a primary array (52) and a feed array (60). The primary array includes a first side set of radiating elements (58A), a first set of phase shifters (58-B), a set of switches (58C), a second set of phase shifters (58D) and a second side set of radiating elements (58E). Each of the switches is connected between corresponding ones of the first set and the second set of phase shifters and ground, selectively settable at an open position or at a closed position.