VICTS Antenna E-Plane Taper via Dissimilar Radiator Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VICTS antennas are limited by mechanical and electrical constraints, which restrict the achievable coupling range and sidelobe profiles, leading to reduced flexibility in antenna pattern characteristics and limited suppression of adjacent satellite interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of a small number of dissimilar radiators with varying opening sizes between adjacent radiators in a VICTS antenna design, allowing for a broader coupling range without increasing manufacturing costs or integration complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical radiators are used with uniform parallel-plate spacing, then production cost and RF modeling are simplified, but the achievable coupling range and sidelobe suppression are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform identical radiators to a configuration where specific radiators (particularly edge radiators) have different opening sizes. The edge radiators are designed with smaller openings to achieve higher coupling values, while interior radiators maintain standard dimensions. This localized variation in radiator geometry enables enhanced E-plane taper control and improved sidelobe suppression without requiring all radiators to be different, thus balancing manufacturing complexity with performance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallel-plate spacing is varied to achieve desired coupling, then antenna pattern characteristics can be customized, but mechanical constraints limit the achievable coupling range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the opening size parameter of specific radiators rather than varying the parallel-plate spacing. By changing the opening dimension of edge radiators to be smaller than standard, the coupling range is extended without requiring mechanical adjustment of plate spacing. This approach maintains the mechanical simplicity of fixed spacing while achieving the desired coupling variation through geometric parameter modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel-plate spacing is reduced to increase coupling, then higher coupling values are achieved, but RF moding effects and efficiency degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying the smaller opening modification only to specific edge radiators where higher coupling is needed for E-plane taper control, rather than reducing parallel-plate spacing across the entire array. This localized geometric modification achieves the required coupling enhancement without subjecting the entire parallel-plate structure to the RF moding issues that would result from globally reduced spacing.
4Ease of manufacture
If identical radiators are used, then assembly is simplified, but sidelobe suppression and adjacent satellite interference rejection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the edge radiators with smaller openings while keeping interior radiators identical to standard designs. This selective modification enables improved sidelobe suppression and adjacent satellite interference rejection through enhanced E-plane taper control, while maintaining assembly simplicity since the majority of radiators remain identical and can be produced using the same manufacturing process.
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 enhances the radiating element coupling range, improving sidelobe suppression and antenna pattern control, enabling more refined E-plane tapers and reduced interference, while maintaining comparable performance to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a first opening coupling the main transmission line to a free space over both the first and second conductive plate structures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2F
AI summary
An antenna array employing continuous transverse stubs as radiating elements includes a first conductive plate structure including a first set of continuous transverse stubs arranged on a first surface, and a second set of continuous transverse stubs arranged on the first surface, wherein a geometry of the first set of continuous transverse stubs is different from a geometry of the second set of continuous transverse stubs. A second conductive plate structure is disposed in a spaced relationship relative to the first conductive plate structure, the second conductive plate structure having a surface parallel to the first surface. A relative rotation apparatus imparts relative rotational movement between the first conductive plate structure and the second conductive plate structure.