Variable Dielectric Antenna Array Using Liquid Crystal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile antenna systems for satellite television and Global Broadcast Service are expensive, complex, and inefficient due to the need for phase shifters and amplifiers, leading to increased size and cost, making them impractical for consumer applications.
Innovation Solution
A scanning antenna array using a liquid crystal display (LCD) structure with variable dielectric constant material, eliminating the need for phase shifters and low noise amplifiers, allowing for high conversion efficiency, reduced size, and lower manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters and amplifiers are used in antenna arrays, then two-dimensional beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the phase shifters and amplifiers from the antenna array system. By using a single feed source without phase shifting components, the system achieves beam steering through the geometric arrangement of antenna elements rather than through active phase control, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array performs beam steering autonomously through its physical geometry and element spacing. The system self-adjusts the radiation pattern by exploiting the natural interference patterns created by the spaced elements, eliminating the need for external phase control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters are used in antenna arrays, then beam direction control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes phase shifters from the system, eliminating a major cost driver. The beam direction control is achieved passively through the antenna element spacing and geometry, which can be manufactured using standard PCB techniques without requiring expensive phase-shifting components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex phase shifter components with simple, inexpensive antenna elements that can be manufactured as disposable or easily replaceable PCB traces, significantly reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the essential beam steering functionality
3Area of stationary object
If micro-strip technology is used for planar arrays, then antenna coverage is improved, but antenna efficiency diminishes as size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large antenna aperture into multiple discrete, spaced antenna elements rather than using a continuous micro-strip structure. This segmentation allows each element to operate efficiently independently while collectively providing wide area coverage, mitigating the efficiency loss that occurs in large continuous micro-strip antennas
4Reliability
If slotted waveguide technology is used, then antenna performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to tight dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical slotted waveguide structure with a planar printed circuit board implementation. The antenna elements are created using standard PCB fabrication techniques such as etched copper traces, which have much more relaxed tolerance requirements compared to the tight dimensional control needed for slotted waveguides, while maintaining reliable antenna performance
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 a compact, efficient, and cost-effective antenna system capable of two-dimensional scanning without phase shifters or amplifiers, suitable for consumer applications, with the ability to control phase and frequency, and implement circular polarization.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric constant of the material 350, such as liquid crystal, which is sandwiched by a back panel 355
Implementation Method 2
A scanning antenna array using a liquid crystal display (LCD) structure with variable dielectric constant material
Data Source
Figure 1~3C
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An antenna and antenna array are provided. A radiating elements and corresponding feed lines are provided over a variable dielectric constant material sandwiched between two panels. The sandwich may be in the form of an LCD. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the conductive line can be varied to control the phase of the radiating element. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the radiating element can be varied to control the resonance frequency of the radiating element. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the conductive line can be varied to also control the polarization of the radiating element.