Subarray Antenna Locking Structure for Continuous Ground Plane Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of subarray antennas to form larger array antennas is challenged by discontinuities in the ground plane, misalignment issues, and unpredictable ground currents, leading to performance degradation, especially at higher frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A subarray antenna design featuring an electrically conducting ground plane with edge parts that include a locking structure comprising an outer lock part and indent, allowing secure mounting and alignment with adjacent antennas, ensuring a continuous and leveled ground plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If subarray antennas are mounted together to form larger array antennas, then the data capacity and beam steering capability are improved, but discontinuities in the ground plane cause performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata capacityVSAvoidantenna performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ground planes of adjacent subarray antennas are merged into a single continuous ground structure. The locking structure integrates the ground plane extension from one subarray with the ground plane of the adjacent subarray, eliminating gaps and discontinuities between previously separate ground planes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking structure is divided into distinct functional parts: an outer lock part for mechanical engagement and an indent for receiving and securing the adjacent subarray. This segmentation allows independent optimization of mechanical locking and electrical continuity functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple subarray antennas are combined, then the array size and coverage are improved, but misalignment between subarrays causes detrimental impact on antenna patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray sizeVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking structure is pre-configured with specific geometric features (outer lock part and indent) that guide and constrain the relative positioning of subarray antennas during assembly. This preliminary structural design ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking structure acts as an intermediary element between adjacent subarray antennas, providing both mechanical support and alignment reference. It mediates the connection between subarrays, ensuring they are positioned correctly relative to each other in the overall array configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If subarray antennas are mounted together, then the beam steering capability is improved, but unpredictable ground currents and resonances cause performance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidunpredictable ground currents

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous ground plane created by the locking structure establishes an equipotential surface across multiple subarray antennas. This eliminates potential differences and unpredictable current paths that would otherwise exist at the boundaries between separate ground planes, preventing resonances and unwanted RF power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS12567678B2Subarray antenna adapted to be mounted to other subarray antennas, and an array antenna formed by such subarray antennas

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sub array antenna (101a, 101b, 101c) adapted to be mounted to at least one other sub array antenna (101a, 101b, 101c) along at least one extension (E1, E2) to form an array antenna (100). The sub array antenna (101a, 101b, 101c) comprises an electrically conducting ground plane (102a, 102b, 102c) and at least one edge part (104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c) that is adapted to face an edge part of an adjacent sub array antenna. The edge part (104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c) at least partly comprises a locking structure comprising an outer lock part (103a, 103b) and an indent (106a, 106b) that is positioned between the outer lock part (103a, 103b) and the ground plane (102a, 102b, 102c) in a direction of the extension (E1, E2). The indent (106a, 106b) is adapted to receive an adjacent outer lock part (103b, 103a) of an adjacent sub array antenna (101b, 101a), and the outer lock part (103b, 103a) is adapted to engage an indent (106b, 106a) of an adjacent sub array antenna (101b, 101a). The outer lock part (103b, 103a) and the indent (106a, 106b) are electrically conducting and electrically connected to the ground plane (102a, 102b).