Tube-Shaped Phased Array Antenna for Omnidirectional Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional phased array antennas face challenges in achieving omnidirectional radiation patterns and mechanical-free beam steering, which limits their versatility and efficiency in applications like radar and telecommunications systems.

Innovation Solution

A phased array antenna design featuring a tube-shaped substrate with antenna elements disposed on its inner or outer surface, allowing for improved radiation patterns and mechanical-component-free beam steering through the use of slot or patch antennas with varying shapes and sizes, enabling omnidirectional operation and high antenna gain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional phased array antennas use planar geometry with mechanical steering components, then beam steering capability is achieved, but mechanical complexity and moving parts are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical steering components with an electronic phase shifting system. The tube-shaped substrate with distributed antenna elements allows electronic beam steering through phase control of individual elements, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same beam steering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional array to a three-dimensional tube-shaped structure. This dimensional change enables omnidirectional radiation patterns and electronic beam steering in multiple planes simultaneously, providing superior operational capability without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional phased array antennas use planar geometry, then manufacturing is simplified, but omnidirectional radiation pattern is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidomnidirectional radiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a curved tube-shaped substrate instead of a flat planar surface. This curvature distributes antenna elements in three dimensions, enabling omnidirectional radiation patterns while maintaining a compact, manufacturable structure that can be produced using standard fabrication techniques for curved substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If antenna elements are arranged in a compact tube-shaped configuration, then omnidirectional radiation is achieved, but element spacing and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveomnidirectional radiation patternVSAvoidelement spacing tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the tube-shaped substrate, including radius, length, and element distribution patterns, to achieve omnidirectional radiation while maintaining relaxed manufacturing tolerances. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves the desired radiation pattern with practical manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11050166B2AESA radial geometry phased array antenna

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 KYOCERA AVX COMPONENTS CORP

AI summary

A phased array antenna is provided. The phased array antenna includes a tube shaped substrate. The phased array antenna further includes a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the substrate.