Tetrahedral Phased Array Antenna for 360° Omnidirectional Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas for communication are limited by their directional beam, size, and weight, making them inefficient for omnidirectional communication and requiring multiple antenna devices, which complicates their deployment in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna design featuring a transmission unit, reception unit, and circuit unit with polygonal profiles, where the units are arranged to allow for omnidirectional signal transmission and reception, with an isolation unit and circuit unit integrated within the structure to minimize size and weight, and improve signal isolation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional phased array antenna uses a planar array shape, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the beam directivity angle is limited and omnidirectional connectivity cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional planar array to a three-dimensional tetrahedral array structure. The four triangular plates are arranged in three-dimensional space with their inner vertices converging at a common point, creating spatial omnidirectional coverage. This dimensional change enables the antenna to achieve 360-degree omnidirectional connectivity while maintaining structural simplicity through the symmetric tetrahedral geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna devices are used to support communication with multiple mission devices, then communication coverage is improved, but the system size and weight are excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tetrahedral phased array antenna achieves multi-functionality by enabling simultaneous communication with multiple mission devices in different directions using a single antenna structure. The four triangular plates can independently or cooperatively form beams toward different spatial directions, allowing one antenna to replace multiple separate antenna devices. This universal design provides omnidirectional coverage and supports n:1 communication without increasing system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated tetrahedral structure. The four triangular plates work together as unified radiating elements, with their combined radiation patterns providing omnidirectional coverage. By merging what would traditionally require multiple separate antenna devices into one compact tetrahedral unit, the system achieves enhanced communication coverage while reducing overall size and weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna devices are deployed to achieve omnidirectional communication, then communication capability is improved, but the device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into four independent triangular plates that can be individually manufactured and assembled. Each triangular plate serves as a modular radiating element with identical structure, allowing for simplified manufacturing and easy replacement. The segmentation into symmetric modules reduces manufacturing complexity while the coordinated operation of these segments achieves the complex function of omnidirectional communication.
4Productivity
If a conventional directional antenna is used, then the antenna structure is simple, but multiple antenna devices are required for multi-device communication
Solution Approach 1:
The tetrahedral phased array antenna implements dynamic beam steering capability through electronic phase control of the four triangular plates. Instead of physically moving or reconfiguring multiple antenna devices, the system dynamically adjusts the phase and amplitude of signals from each plate to electronically steer beams toward different directions. This dynamic control enables a single antenna to adaptively serve multiple mission devices simultaneously, dramatically improving communication efficiency while reducing the quantity of hardware required.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna includes a transmission unit of a first layer including a plurality of first plates having a polygonal profile, a reception unit of a second layer including a plurality of second plates having a polygonal profile, the reception unit being spaced apart from the transmission unit in a first direction, and a circuit unit arranged within an internal space defined by the transmission unit and the reception unit.