Spherical Lens Radar Beacon for Precise Passive Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive radar beacons, such as corner reflectors, require cumbersome installation, have low reflection efficiency, and are sensitive to environmental conditions, leading to measurement errors and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A radar beacon utilizing a spherical lens with a focal point on a concentric curved surface and a reflection apparatus with a matching curvature, made of PTFE, which refracts and reflects electromagnetic waves to form an echo signal, facilitated by fixing members and a support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a corner reflector is used as a passive radar beacon, then the radar measurement can be achieved, but the installation process is cumbersome and requires precise angle adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical geometry by positioning the corner reflector at the focal point of a spherical lens. The curved surface of the lens with radius R and the spherical coordinate system enable the reflector to return radar signals to the radar station regardless of the incident angle, eliminating the need for precise angle adjustment during installation while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Loss of energy
If the area of the corner reflector is increased to improve reflection efficiency at long distances, then the reflection efficiency improves, but the installation becomes more difficult due to weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical lens with focal length f and radius R concentrates the radar energy reflection through its curved geometry. This allows the corner reflector to maintain high reflection efficiency at long distances without requiring an increase in the physical area of the reflector itself, thus avoiding the installation difficulties associated with larger, heavier structures
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical lens acts as an intermediary between the radar station and the corner reflector. It focuses the incident radar waves onto the reflector and directs the reflected waves back to the radar station, thereby enhancing the reflection efficiency without requiring the reflector itself to be larger
3Measurement precision
If a corner reflector with geometric shape is used, then radar measurement can be performed, but it has high requirements on the external environment such as wind and vegetation clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical lens design with its curved surface and focal point configuration creates a more aerodynamic structure that is less susceptible to wind-induced jitter compared to traditional planar corner reflectors. The spherical geometry distributes wind forces more evenly, reducing measurement errors caused by environmental factors
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 convenient installation, reduces costs, and enhances reflection efficiency and measurement precision while being less affected by environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
an incident wave is refracted to a reflection apparatus by means of a spherical lens
Implementation Method 2
the refracted electromagnetic wave is reflected via the reflection apparatus and then refracted by means of the spherical lens to form an echo signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a radar beacon and a radar measurement system. An incident electromagnetic wave is refracted to a reflection apparatus using a spherical lens, and the refracted electromagnetic wave is reflected via the reflection apparatus and then refracted by means of the spherical lens to form an echo signal so as to achieve radar measurement, where a focal point of the spherical lens is located on a curved surface concentric with the spherical lens. The reflection apparatus is provided with a reflecting surface with the same curvature as the curved surface, and is arranged on the curved surface, and the reflecting surface coincides with a portion of the curved surface. Therefore, the radar beacon may be conveniently installed, the cost of the radar beacon is reduced, and the reflection efficiency of the radar beacon and the measurement precision of the radar measurement system are improved.