Compact Steerable Antenna Using Electric and Magnetic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional phased array antennas are too large and heavy for use in small unmanned air systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for sense and avoid functionality, and they have limited field of view and suffer from scan loss.
Innovation Solution
A compact steerable antenna system using a combination of electric and magnetic antenna elements, including dipoles and loops, configured in a vector-sensor geometry that allows for 360° field of view with no scan loss, achieved through amplitude weighting of current in the antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional phased array antennas are used, then beam steering capability is achieved, but the antenna size and weight become too large for small UAS/UAV applications
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple electric dipole elements and magnetic loop elements arranged in orthogonal configurations. This segmentation allows the creation of a compact antenna structure that achieves beam steering through electronic control of individual elements rather than requiring a large traditional phased array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines both electric dipole elements and magnetic loop elements in a single antenna structure. This merging of electric and magnetic components creates a compact vector sensor antenna that achieves 3D beam steering capability without the size and weight of traditional phased arrays
2Ease of operation
If traditional phased array antennas are used, then directional transmission is achieved, but the field of view is limited to approximately 120° per face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D phased array scanning to 3D beam steering by incorporating magnetic loop elements in addition to electric dipoles. This dimensional expansion allows the antenna to achieve a full 360° field of view by radiating in all directions (4π steradians) rather than being limited to a 120° per face conical scan pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit and receive in all directions, provide 3D angle of arrival estimation, and achieve full 360° field of view. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for mechanical scanning and provides continuous omnidirectional coverage
3Ease of operation
If traditional phased array antennas are used, then beam steering is achieved, but scan loss occurs during directional scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning approach of traditional phased arrays with a stationary 3D antenna structure that achieves beam steering through amplitude weighting of multiple orthogonal elements. This substitution eliminates scan loss by maintaining constant gain in all directions through the vector sensor configuration rather than mechanically scanning a limited-aperture beam
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 efficient direction finding and beam steering over 4π steradians with low scan loss and modest peak gain, facilitating wider angle scanning and improved radar detection capabilities for UAS, including several-kilometer detection ranges and 30+ second warning times for potential collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric dipole antenna element... a second electric dipole antenna element... a first magnetic loop antenna element... configured to facilitate transmission of an electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 2
The first electric dipole antenna element is oriented parallel to a first plane, The second electric dipole antenna element is oriented orthogonally to the first electric dipole antenna element and parallel to the first plane, and The first magnetic loop antenna element is oriented orthogonally to the first electric dipole antenna element and the second electric dipole antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
A transmit antenna system configured to steer an electromagnetic beam includes an antenna and an electronic steering module. The antenna includes a first electric antenna element oriented parallel to a first plane, a second electric antenna element oriented orthogonally to the first electric antenna element and parallel to the first plane, and a first magnetic antenna element oriented orthogonally to the first electric antenna element and the second electric antenna element. The electronic steering module is in electrical communication with each of the first electric antenna element, the second electric antenna element, and the first magnetic antenna element. The electronic steering module includes at least one amplifier configured to control the amplitude of a current to each of the first electric antenna element, the second electric antenna element, and the first magnetic antenna element.