Surface Wave Fed Antenna Array for Azimuth Gain Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna designs lack the ability to customize radiation patterns and gain control for specific applications, such as adaptive cruise control systems, by modifying the antenna pattern effectively.
Innovation Solution
An antenna assembly with a conductive top plate featuring slots and cavities aligned in specific directions and spacings, along with optional troughs, to control surface waves and customize radiation patterns for desired gain and width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing antenna designs are used, then the antenna can transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, but the radiation pattern cannot be customized for specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a conductive top plate with cavities, a waveguide plate with waveguides, and a circuit board with integrated circuits. Each component performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization and customization of the radiation pattern without redesigning the entire antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional array of cavities in the conductive top plate, arranged in rows and columns with specific spacing. This 2D configuration allows control of surface waves in multiple directions, enabling customized radiation patterns in both azimuth and elevation planes simultaneously.
2Power
If the antenna pattern is modified to achieve specific gain control, then the radiation pattern can be optimized for specific applications, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive top plate features cavities with varying dimensions (length, width, depth) and spacing at different locations. Each cavity's local geometry is optimized to control surface waves in its specific region, allowing precise local control of the radiation pattern and gain distribution across different angular sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple geometric parameters of the cavities (length L, width W, depth D, and spacing S) to control the electromagnetic characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the radiation pattern and gain can be optimized for different applications without changing the fundamental antenna structure.
3Power
If a two-dimensional surface wave fed array is implemented, then azimuth gain control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The conductive top plate simultaneously serves as the radiation element, the cavity resonator structure, and the surface wave guiding mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex 2D cavity array.
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 antenna assembly allows for fine-tuning of radiation patterns to suit various applications by adjusting cavity and trough dimensions and spacings, achieving optimal gain and field of view configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide plate over the circuit board, the waveguide plate including a waveguide configured to guide the RF signal at least one of to and from the conductive trace
Implementation Method 2
an antenna assembly including a two-dimensional surface wave fed array for azimuth gain control
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An antenna assembly including: a circuit board with an integrated circuit configured to process a radio frequency (RF) signal; a waveguide plate including a waveguide configured to guide the RF signal at least one of to and from a conductive trace extending from the integrated circuit; and a conductive top plate over the waveguide plate. The conductive top plate includes: an outer surface and an inner surface facing the waveguide plate; a plurality of slots aligned with the waveguide and aligned along the conductive top plate in a Y-direction; and cavities defined by the conductive top plate and recessed below the outer surface of the conductive top plate. A row of the cavities is beside the plurality of slots. The cavities of the row are aligned in the Y-direction parallel to the plurality of slots and spaced apart in the Y-direction.