Antenna Reflector Array With Varying Element Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reflector arrays in antennas suffer from significant disruptions in periodicity, leading to diffraction phenomena and increased secondary lobes, which deteriorate directivity and are not acceptable for telecommunications antennas.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates radiating elements with progressively varying dimensions, such as annular slots and metal patches, to minimize sudden transitions and achieve a continuous phase shift, allowing for a more controlled radiation pattern without abrupt breaks in periodicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the radiating elements are arranged with strong periodicity to improve directivity, then the reflection characteristics are enhanced, but the phase distribution becomes difficult to control continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each radiating element unique in terms of its geometric dimensions. Each element is specifically designed with different size parameters to provide a predetermined phase shift, allowing continuous phase control while maintaining periodic arrangement. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise local phase adjustment without compromising the overall periodic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the geometric dimensions (size, shape, orientation) of individual radiating elements to control the phase shift. By changing physical parameters of each element, the patent achieves continuous phase distribution across the array while maintaining periodic arrangement, thus resolving the contradiction between periodicity and phase control.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dimensions of radiating elements are varied to achieve phase compensation, then the radiation pattern is improved, but abrupt transitions between elements cause diffraction phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by progressively varying the geometric dimensions of radiating elements across the array. This gradual parameter variation ensures smooth transitions between adjacent elements, maintaining phase compensation while minimizing abrupt changes that cause diffraction. The continuous parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between phase control and diffraction reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a gradual evolution of radiating element characteristics across the array. Instead of static uniform elements, the patent uses elements with dynamically varying dimensions that adapt to the required phase distribution. This dynamic approach smooths transitions and reduces diffraction effects while maintaining phase control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mesh size of the reflective grating is increased to reduce element count, then manufacturing is simplified, but diffraction effects are strengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each radiating element's dimensions independently to compensate for the larger mesh size. By tailoring local element properties, the patent maintains effective phase control even with increased mesh spacing, reducing diffraction effects that would otherwise result from larger element separations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to adjust radiating element characteristics in response to the larger mesh size. By modifying element dimensions and geometry, the patent compensates for the increased spacing, maintaining adequate phase control and reducing diffraction effects despite the coarser grating structure.
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 approach reduces disturbances in the radiation diagram, enhances directivity, and increases phase variation possibilities, resulting in improved antenna performance by minimizing secondary lobes and maintaining high directivity.
Implementation Method 1
the incident wave is reflected by the grating 11 with a phase shift which compensates for the relative phase of the incident wave
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 3b~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The array has individual radiating elements arranged according to periodic pattern, where the elements form reflecting surface (14). The elements are realized in planar technology, and have same geometric shape e.g. hexagon shape, and same peripheral circumferential dimension. Two of the adjacent radiating elements (7, 8) have an internal structure progressively changing from one of the radiating elements to other adjacent radiating element. The radiating elements have metal patch type and radiating aperture type radiating structure.