Antenna Apparatus with Directional Module for Vehicle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting directional patterns, particularly when the position of a communication object changes, due to the need for complex circuitry and mechanical rotation, which can result in reduced radiation efficiency and difficulty in accurately directing the beam at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
An antenna apparatus comprising an omni-directional antenna and a directional antenna module with multiple directional antennae, each with different radiation angles, a waveguide, and a radiation slot, along with an antenna selection switch and controller to dynamically adjust the directional pattern based on the position of the communication object using positional information from GPS signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the phase difference between array radiation elements is changed to control the direction of the main beam, then the directional pattern can be adjusted, but additional circuits are needed to control the phase of each array radiation element, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent directional antennae, each with a fixed radiation angle. Instead of continuously adjusting the phase of all elements, the system segments the directional coverage into discrete sectors, selecting the appropriate antenna based on the communication object's position. This eliminates the need for complex phase control circuits while maintaining directional adjustment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the phase difference between array radiation elements is changed to control the directional pattern, then beam direction can be adjusted, but a high side lobe occurs, resulting in a reduction of radiation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple directional antennae that are designed with optimized radiation patterns from the outset, rather than trying to achieve directional control through phase manipulation of a single antenna array. Each directional antenna is essentially a copied and adapted version optimized for its specific radiation angle, eliminating the high side lobe problem inherent in phase-based beam steering while maintaining directional control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used to change the directional pattern, then the beam direction can be adjusted to track moving objects, but a separate structure for rotating the antenna is needed, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical rotation system with an electronic switching system. Instead of physically rotating the antenna to track moving objects, the system uses an antenna selection switch to electronically switch between multiple pre-positioned directional antennae. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same beam tracking functionality through electrical control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used to adjust the directional pattern, then beam direction can be changed, but if the communication object moves at high speed, it may be difficult for the directional pattern to be changed in the accurate direction, reducing response speed
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical rotation system with electronic switching between pre-positioned directional antennae, the system achieves instantaneous directional adjustment without mechanical inertia or rotation delays. The electronic switch can change the active antenna almost instantaneously, enabling the system to track high-speed moving objects with accurate directional response that mechanical systems cannot achieve.
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
Enables efficient and seamless communication by allowing the antenna to automatically adjust its directional pattern without the need for complex feed structures, maintaining high radiation efficiency and accuracy even when the communication object moves at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide through which the provided signal is propagated
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiation slot designed to radiate the signal propagated through the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus includes an omni-directional antenna for omni-directionally transmitting or receiving a signal, and a directional antenna module including a plurality of directional antennae having different radiation angles, wherein each of the directional antennae includes a feed unit to provide a signal, at least one waveguide through which the provided signal is propagated, and at least one radiation slot designed to radiate the signal propagated through the waveguide.