Tapered Antenna Array Resonator Geometry for Uniform Field Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave radar antennas experience reduced radiation efficiency due to a concentration of electrical field along the mid portion of the antenna array, leading to side lobe generation and accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
The antenna design features a tapered array of resonating lines where the resonating surfaces at the ends are larger than those in the middle, with proximately coupled feed lines to distribute the electrical field uniformly, thereby reducing concentration and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the antenna array uses a conventional uniform resonating line design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electrical field concentrates along the mid portion reducing radiation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the resonating surface area of resonators at different positions along the resonating line. Specifically, resonators at the ends of the resonating line have larger resonating surfaces than those in the middle portion, creating a tapered array structure. This non-uniform distribution localizes the electrical field more effectively at the ends, reducing mid-portion concentration and improving radiation efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire antenna system.
2Measurement precision
If the antenna array uses a conventional uniform resonating line design, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but side lobes are generated affecting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered array structure with varying resonating surface areas at different positions suppresses side lobe generation by creating a more uniform overall electrical field distribution. The larger end resonators and smaller middle resonators work together to reduce the harmful mid-portion field concentration that causes side lobes, thereby improving radar accuracy while maintaining a manufacturable structure using standard PCB fabrication techniques.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical field is concentrated along the mid portion of the antenna array, then the feed line coupling is simplified, but the radiation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains proximate coupling between feed lines and resonating lines for ease of manufacturing and connection, but modifies the resonator geometry to create local variations in electrical field distribution. The larger resonating surfaces at the ends and smaller surfaces in the middle portion redirect the electrical field concentration away from the mid-portion, improving radiation efficiency while preserving the simplicity of feed line coupling architecture.
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
This design achieves improved radiation efficiency and reduced side lobes, as demonstrated by experimental data showing side lobes less than fifteen dB compared to prior art antennas.
Implementation Method 1
Each resonating line includes a plurality of axially aligned resonators... actuating the resonators so as to receive echoes from a transmitting antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna with improved radiation efficiency is provided. The antenna includes an antenna array proximately coupled to a feed line. The antenna array includes a plurality of resonating lines. Each resonating line includes a plurality of axially aligned resonators. The resonators have a resonating surface. The resonating surfaces of the resonators at the ends of the resonating lines are larger than resonating surfaces of the resonators in the middle of the resonating lines. Power is supplied to each resonating ling through a feed line. Electrical field is uniformly distributed along the antenna array so as to improve the radiation efficiency of the antenna.