Toroidal Gradient Index Lens for Omnidirectional Antenna Beam Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Luneburg lenses require multiple radiators and complex circuitry to achieve omnidirectional coverage, increasing antenna complexity and cost, especially for small indoor antennas, and introduce the possibility of Passive Intermodulation Distortion (PIM).
Innovation Solution
A toroidal gradient index lens with a radiator positioned at its center, allowing for simplified control of the antenna's gain pattern through a varying refractive index distribution, which reduces the need for multiple radiators and complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiators are placed around the exterior of the spherical lens to achieve omnidirectional coverage, then omnidirectional coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multiple radiators from the conventional spherical lens configuration and replaces them with a single radiator positioned at the center of the toroidal lens. This extraction eliminates the need for complex multi-radiator arrangements while maintaining omnidirectional coverage through the toroidal lens's inherent focusing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing radiators on the exterior surface of the lens as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the configuration by placing the radiator at the center of the toroidal lens. This inversion simplifies the structure while achieving the same omnidirectional coverage function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple radiators with complex circuitry are used to control elevation of antenna gain pattern, then gain pattern control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and reliability worsen due to multiple solder joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex multi-radiator circuitry and solder joint structures from the antenna design. By using a single central radiator with the toroidal lens, it eliminates numerous potential PIM sources while maintaining the ability to control gain pattern elevation through simpler means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the antenna structure from multiple radiators with independent circuit control to a single radiator with toroidal lens focusing. This parameter change enables gain control through mechanical or electrical adjustment of the single radiator while eliminating the reliability issues associated with multiple solder joints.
3Ease of operation
If multiple radiators are arranged in vertical arrays to control elevation, then elevation control capability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to increased assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vertical array of multiple radiators and replaces them with a single central radiator. This extraction dramatically simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to assemble and align multiple radiators in precise vertical arrays, while elevation control is achieved through the toroidal lens geometry and single-radiator positioning.
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 toroidal gradient index lens provides efficient omnidirectional or sector coverage with reduced complexity and cost, minimizing the risk of Passive Intermodulation Distortion (PIM) while maintaining effective RF wavefront focusing and planarization.
Implementation Method 1
Gradient index lenses (of which a Luneburg lens is an example) are useful devices for focusing and planarizing an RF wavefront received/emitted by an antenna
Implementation Method 2
A toroidal gradient index lens with a radiator positioned at its center, allowing for simplified control of the antenna's gain pattern through a varying refractive index distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an antenna having a toroidal gradient index lens, whereby a radiator may be disposed within the inner hole of the toroid. The antenna may include a mechanism that translates the radiator along the z-axis whereby an “upward” translation of the radiator along the z-axis tilts the antenna's elevation beam pattern downward. The radiator disposed within the hole of the toroid lens may be a dipole or a multi-sector radiator, such as a tri-sector radiator. Disclosed are two variations of the toroidal lens: a toroid shape, and a cylindrical toroidal shape.