Vehicle Antenna Waveguide System Wide-Angle Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive radar systems are limited to a maximum radiation angle of ±50° due to their planar excitation, restricting their beam coverage and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device with a waveguide system comprising multiple angled waveguide arrangements and a radiating surface with openings, allowing for electromagnetic wave radiation beyond 180°, enabling flexible installation and multiple antenna functions such as short-range, medium-range, and long-range radar, as well as parking aids and pedestrian protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar array is used for electromagnetic wave generation, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the radiation angle is limited to a maximum of 180° with practical evaluation range of ±50°
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar array to a three-dimensional surface with openings distributed across multiple planes arranged at angles to each other. This dimensional expansion enables electromagnetic waves to radiate in multiple directions simultaneously, achieving a total radiation angle exceeding 180° while maintaining the simplicity of planar construction methods for each individual plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the radiating surface into multiple separate planes arranged at angles to each other, with each plane containing openings connected to separate waveguide arrangements. This segmentation allows each plane to be manufactured independently using simple planar techniques while the combined three-dimensional arrangement achieves the desired wide radiation angle coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple waveguide arrangements with separate inputs are used, then different antenna functions and characteristics can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal radiating surface structure where multiple planes with openings can serve different antenna functions simultaneously. Each waveguide arrangement connected to separate openings can be configured for different radar functions (short-range, medium-range, long-range detection, parking assistance, pedestrian protection), allowing a single device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple waveguide arrangements and their corresponding openings into a single integrated radiating surface structure. This combination allows different antenna functions to be implemented within one unified device, reducing the need for multiple separate antenna systems while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is installed away from the first surface to be penetrated, then installation flexibility is improved, but unwanted reflections between the antenna and body panels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple planes at angles to position the radiating openings in optimal locations relative to the vehicle body surfaces. This spatial distribution in three dimensions allows the antenna to be installed closer to body panels while the angled plane configuration directs radiation away from reflective paths, minimizing unwanted reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of multiple planes at different angles rather than a symmetric planar configuration. This asymmetric, angled positioning of radiating surfaces optimizes the radiation pattern to minimize reflections from body panels while maintaining installation flexibility in various vehicle locations.
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 radiation range of more than 180°, allowing for adaptive installation and minimizing unwanted reflections, while enabling multiple antenna functions with different characteristics, enhancing the vehicle's radar capabilities and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide system for transmitting electromagnetic waves, wherein the waveguide system comprises several waveguide arrangements
Implementation Method 2
wherein the waveguide arrangements each have several outputs connected to the input for coupling out the electromagnetic waves fed into the respective input
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna device for a vehicle, including a generating device for generating electromagnetic waves, a waveguide system for transmitting electromagnetic waves, the waveguide system including a plurality of waveguide set-ups. The waveguide set-ups each having an inlet for feeding in the generated electromagnetic waves, the waveguide set-ups each including a plurality of outlets connected to the respective inlet, in order to couple out the electromagnetic waves fed into the respective inlet. The plurality of respective outlets being connected to openings in a surface, from which the electromagnetic waves are able to radiate, so that the surface includes a plurality of regions, whose respective openings are connected to a separate inlet via a separate waveguide set-up.