Switchable Conformal Antenna Elements for Radome Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Missile radar systems face limitations in tracking multiple targets due to space constraints and interference issues with optical sensors, as traditional RF antennas are bulky, non-conformal, and can interact with infrared sensors, leading to aerodynamic and signal degradation problems.
Innovation Solution
A radome structure with switchable, conformal RF antenna elements around the perimeter allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets and various applications, enabling different radiation patterns and reducing interference with optics by positioning antennas within the radome, thus optimizing space and reducing heat-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If broadband directional antennas are placed external to the radome for high speed applications, then bandwidth capability is improved, but space availability is reduced and aerodynamic issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple antenna elements inside the radome structure, nesting them within the existing housing. This allows broadband directional antenna functionality to be achieved without occupying external space, resolving the contradiction between bandwidth capability and space availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single broadband directional antenna into multiple smaller antenna elements arranged in an array. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broadband directional capability through phased array processing while using less space than a single large antenna would require
2Reliability
If RF antennas are placed separate from the radome structure, then signal degradation is reduced, but the number of trackable targets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple antenna elements instead of a single antenna. This segmentation enables the system to perform multiple functions including tracking multiple targets simultaneously and providing diversity schemes while maintaining signal quality through proper element spacing and configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array inside the radome serves multiple functions: tracking multiple targets, providing diversity schemes, and maintaining signal quality. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving both signal reliability and increased productivity
3Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are placed proximate to optical sensors, then space utilization is improved, but heat interference with IR sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna elements from the immediate vicinity of optical sensors by positioning them within the radome structure where they can be thermally isolated. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining space utilization while eliminating heat interference with IR sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A radome structure of an antenna system is provided having a plurality of switchable antenna elements disposed around a perimeter of the radome structure that can simultaneously track multiple targets and be implemented in a variety of different applications. Each of the switchable antenna elements can be individually switched between different radiation patterns to support different applications. The antenna system may include an infrared (IR) sensor pedestal, an IR sensor disposed on the IR pedestal and a plurality of switchable radio frequency (RF) antenna elements disposed in a circumferential direction around the IR sensor pedestal. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of switchable RF antenna elements can be switched from a first radiation pattern to a second radiation pattern to change an array radiation pattern of the antenna.