Dual-Polarized UWB Antenna Layout for In-Vehicle Occupant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting living beings in vehicles are inefficient due to large size, high power consumption, high cost, and directional antenna issues that can be shadowed by the living being, leading to unreliable detection, especially at high ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A device with dual omnidirectional antennas, each with different polarizations, arranged in upper and lower conductor structures on a printed circuit board, transmitting and receiving ultra-wideband waves to detect reflections and movement frequencies, such as respiratory rates, to ensure robust detection regardless of the living being's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If half-space radiating antennas are used to achieve directional effect, then path losses are reduced in the radiation direction, but device complexity increases due to requiring at least two half-space radiating antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two antennas with different polarizations into a single integrated device structure. Both antennas are arranged in both upper and lower conductor structures, sharing the same physical platform and control unit, which reduces overall device complexity while maintaining low path losses through omnidirectional radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-directional radiation to omnidirectional radiation by arranging antennas in both upper and lower conductor structures. This dimensional arrangement (upper and lower layers) enables the system to radiate in multiple directions simultaneously, reducing path losses without requiring complex directional beamforming.
2Measurement precision
If patch antennas are used to achieve required directivity, then detection precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases as they cannot be realized on cost-effective standard printed circuit base materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive custom-designed patch antennas with standard printed circuit board technologies using conventional materials like FR4. The conductor structures are implemented as standard PCB traces and patterns that can be manufactured using cost-effective standard printing processes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the design parameters of the antenna system to work effectively with standard PCB materials and thicknesses (e.g., 1.5 mm). By optimizing the conductor structure geometry, frequency range (6 GHz to 8 GHz), and polarization orientations, the system achieves sufficient detection precision without requiring expensive specialized materials or manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If monostatic radar with directional antennas is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability deteriorates when the living being shadows the direct connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry through dual polarization orientations in the monostatic radar system. The first and second antennas have different polarizations, allowing the system to detect scattered signals from living beings in various orientations. This asymmetric polarization approach maintains simple monostatic architecture while overcoming the shadowing limitation of single-polarization directional antennas.
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 solution provides reliable and robust detection of living beings in vehicles, reducing path losses and improving detection accuracy by using omnidirectional antennas with different polarizations, ensuring no living beings are left behind, even in varying positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna (10) for transmitting and/or receiving ultra-wideband waves, a second antenna (20) for transmitting and/or receiving ultra-wideband waves
Implementation Method 2
detect reflections and movement frequencies, such as respiratory rates
Data Source
AI summary
A device for recognizing living beings, in particular persons and/or children, in a vehicle interior of a vehicle, having: a first antenna for transmitting and/or receiving ultra-wideband waves; a second antenna for transmitting and/or receiving ultra-wideband waves; a lower conductor structure, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are arranged at least partially in the lower conductor structure; and an upper conductor structure, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are arranged at least partially in the upper conductor structure. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method, a computer program product, a computer-readable data carrier, a control unit, and a vehicle.