Steerable Antenna Assembly with Composite Substrate and Microstrip Feed Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable antenna assemblies consume high power and are costly due to extensive electronics, making them unsuitable for lightweight, low-aerodynamic-drag applications on non-planar surfaces like UAVs and aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A low-power steerable antenna assembly featuring a composite substrate with microstrip feed networks, integrated RF switches, and a dielectric lens for selective control of antenna elements, reducing the need for extensive electronics and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each antenna element is electrically connected to respective amplifiers and phase shifters, then magnitude and phase-shifting ability for each antenna element is achieved, but power consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the power-consuming amplifiers and phase shifters from each antenna element. Instead, it uses a simplified architecture with a single amplifier and phase shifter that controls multiple antenna elements through a feed network, thereby eliminating unnecessary electronics while retaining the essential beam-steering functionality through geometric phase control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control system (amplifiers and phase shifters at each element) with a geometric/metallic phase approach using reflectors and feed networks. The phase control is achieved through physical geometric relationships rather than electronic components, significantly reducing power consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If each antenna element is electrically connected to respective amplifiers and phase shifters, then magnitude and phase-shifting ability for each antenna element is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive amplifiers and phase shifters from each antenna element. The simplified architecture uses a single amplifier and phase shifter shared across multiple elements through a feed network, dramatically reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining beam-steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal control approach where a single amplifier and phase shifter serve multiple antenna elements simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated electronics at each element, reducing both cost and complexity while achieving the same adaptive functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive electronics are used in steerable antenna assemblies, then beam steering capability is achieved, but weight increases and aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes heavy electronic components (amplifiers, phase shifters) from each antenna element. The remaining architecture uses lightweight metallic reflectors and feed networks that achieve beam steering through geometric relationships, significantly reducing overall weight for aerospace applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy electronic control systems with a lightweight geometric/metallic phase system using reflectors. The beam steering is achieved through physical geometric relationships and signal routing rather than electronic manipulation, reducing weight while maintaining functionality
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive electronics are used in steerable antenna assemblies, then beam steering capability is achieved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes bulky electronic components from the antenna assembly. The simplified design with metallic reflectors and feed networks creates a more aerodynamic structure with fewer protruding elements, reducing aerodynamic drag for high-speed aerospace applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic components with a geometric/metallic phase system that can be integrated into streamlined aerodynamic shapes. The reflector-based approach allows for smooth, continuous surfaces that minimize drag while achieving beam steering through geometric configuration
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 provides a low-cost, low-power steerable antenna system capable of directing energy efficiently without extensive electronics, suitable for lightweight and low-aerodynamic-drag applications on non-planar surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A dielectric lens is disposed on the composite substrate over the first antenna element(s)
Implementation Method 2
A microstrip feed network is secured to the composite substrate. The first antenna element(s) are electrically coupled to the microstrip feed network
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes a composite substrate. One or more first antenna elements are secured to the composite substrate. A microstrip feed network is secured to the composite substrate. The first antenna elements are electrically coupled to the microstrip feed network. A switch is electrically connected to the microstrip feed network. The switch is configured to selectively control the first antenna element(s). A dielectric lens may be disposed on the composite substrate over the first antenna element(s).