Tunable Spatial Phase Shifter for Phased Array Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional phased array antennas face challenges in dynamically changing the phase shift distribution to steer beams effectively, as they rely on varactors or switches which are not efficient for dynamic phase adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A tunable phase shifter is introduced, comprising a spatial phase shift element on a dielectric substrate with a conductive antenna and a conducting sheet that can adjust the distance between them to change the phase shift of reflected electromagnetic waves, allowing for dynamic beam steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If varactors or switches are used to change capacitance for phase shifting, then phase shift distribution can be dynamically changed, but the efficiency and reliability of dynamic phase adjustments deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic phase adjustment capabilityVSAvoidefficiency of dynamic phase adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical switching mechanism (varactors/switches) with a mechanical adjustment mechanism. A movable conducting sheet is positioned at different distances from the spatial phase shift element to change the phase shift. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliability issues of varactors and switches while maintaining dynamic phase adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of distance between the conducting sheet and the spatial phase shift element to achieve phase shifting. By varying this distance, the phase shift of reflected electromagnetic waves is adjusted, providing a reliable and efficient method for dynamic beam steering without using conventional electrical switching components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional capacitive patches with varactors are used, then phase shift can be adjusted, but the device complexity and loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase shift adjustabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of phase shifting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the variable capacitor function from the conventional phase shifter design. Instead of using varactors embedded in capacitive patches, the invention uses a movable conducting sheet that changes distance from the phase shift element. This extraction simplifies the device structure by removing complex electrical switching components while retaining the essential phase shifting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable conducting sheet acts as an intermediary element between the spatial phase shift element and the ground. By positioning this conducting sheet at different distances, the system achieves phase shifting without requiring complex varactor-based circuits. The conducting sheet mediates the interaction between the phase shift element and the electromagnetic field, simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between conducting sheet and spatial phase shift element is changed, then phase shift of reflected waves is adjusted, but mechanical precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase shift tuning rangeVSAvoidprecision of distance adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic structure where the conducting sheet can be moved to different positions. This dynamic adjustment of distance allows for continuous phase shift tuning across a wide range. The system transforms a static phase shifter into a dynamically adjustable device, enabling adaptability while the mechanical precision requirements are managed through the design of the movement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables precise control over the phase shift of electromagnetic waves, allowing for efficient electronic beam steering and improved radiation patterns in phased array antennas.

Implementation Method 1

The conducting sheet is mounted a distance from the spatial phase shift element and is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave through the spatial phase shift element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The conductive antenna element is configured to radiate a second electromagnetic wave in response to receipt of the reflected electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS9640867B2Tunable spatial phase shifter

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

A tunable phase shifter is provided that includes a spatial phase shift element and a conducting sheet. The spatial phase shift element includes a dielectric substrate and a conductive antenna element mounted on the dielectric substrate. The conducting sheet is mounted a distance from the spatial phase shift element and configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave through the spatial phase shift element. The conductive antenna element is configured to radiate a second electromagnetic wave in response to receipt of the reflected electromagnetic wave. The distance between the conducting sheet and the spatial phase shift element can be changed to adjust a phase shift of the reflected electromagnetic wave.