Mechanically Steerable Millimeter Wave Antenna Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antenna devices in the GHz frequency range face challenges in miniaturization without compromising radiation characteristics, and existing solutions for beam steering are either complex or limited in speed and precision.

Innovation Solution

A millimeter wave antenna device with mechanically steerable beam direction, where the antenna element is integrated on a carrier element that can move relative to a holding element, allowing for continuous and fast beam direction changes using mechanical actuators, eliminating the need for additional electronic components and leveraging microsystems technology for cost-effective and precise steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mechanical actuators are used for beam steering, then steering precision and speed are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna element and carrier element into an integrated structure where the antenna element is directly mounted on the movable carrier element. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the number of components, thereby achieving precise beam steering through mechanical actuation while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting platform for the antenna element and the movable structure that enables beam steering. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms while maintaining high steering precision through direct mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If phased array systems are used for fast beam steering, then steering speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering speedVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic phased array systems with a simpler mechanical actuation system. By using a single antenna element mounted on a mechanically movable carrier element, the system achieves fast beam steering through direct mechanical movement rather than electronic phase shifting, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining high steering speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If antenna elements are integrated on chip substrates, then miniaturization is achieved, but radiation characteristics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna device volumeVSAvoidradiation characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar on-chip antenna integration to a three-dimensional structure where the antenna element is mounted on a movable carrier element that can be actuated in space. This dimensional change allows the antenna to maintain optimal radiation characteristics through mechanical positioning while achieving miniaturization of the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If discrete beam steering steps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidbeam steering precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous mechanical actuation of the carrier element, allowing the antenna element to achieve any desired angular position rather than being limited to discrete steps. This dynamic positioning capability is achieved through mechanical actuators that can precisely control the carrier element's position, thereby achieving high beam steering precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 cost-effective miniaturization with continuous and rapid beam steering in the millisecond range, maintaining radiation characteristics, and reducing complexity compared to phased array systems.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna element (2) is implemented so as to emit electromagnetic radiation in a beam direction (3) and/or receive electromagnetic radiation from a beam direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the carrier element (4) is moveable relative to the holding element (5)... the carrier element (4) arranged relative to a holding element (5)... allowing for continuous and fast beam direction changes using mechanical actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10665938B2Antenna device

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

The invention relates to an antenna device having at least one antenna element. The antenna element is implemented so as to emit electromagnetic radiation in a beam direction advantageously at frequencies in the GHz range and/or receive same from a beam direction. In addition, the antenna element is arranged on a carrier element which is arranged relative to a holding element. In addition, the carrier element is movable relative to the holding element.