Waveguide Antenna Array With Passive Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile antenna systems for satellite television and Global Broadcast Service are expensive, complex, and too large for consumer applications, with inefficiencies in signal collection and high costs due to the use of phase shifters and complex waveguide technologies.

Innovation Solution

A novel antenna design featuring a waveguide and radiating elements that couple electromagnetic waves directly without intervening elements, allowing for high conversion efficiency, reduced size, and lower manufacturing costs, using a planar wave radiation source and tubular conductors with slots for phase shifting, enabling efficient energy transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If phased array design with phase shifters and amplifiers is used, then two-dimensional beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of phase shifters and control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes phase shifters and amplifiers from the antenna system entirely. Instead of using active electronic components for beam steering, the invention uses a passive reflector surface with strategically positioned gaps that naturally control the reflected electromagnetic waves to achieve beam steering without complex control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector surface itself performs the beam steering function through its geometric design. The gaps in the reflector create phase differences in the reflected waves, enabling the surface to self-regulate the beam direction without external phase shifters or complex electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If slotted waveguide technology is used, then directional radiation pattern is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to narrow slots and complex geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional radiation performanceVSAvoidtolerance control of slot dimensions and geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector surface is segmented into multiple sections with gaps between them. Each segment independently reflects electromagnetic waves, and the collective arrangement of segments creates the desired directional radiation pattern without requiring precision-controlled narrow slots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using narrow slots in a continuous waveguide to control radiation, the patent uses a continuous reflector surface with gaps (the inverse approach). The gaps rather than the solid material control the electromagnetic wave behavior, simplifying manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Shape

If micro-strip technology is used, then planar antenna structure is achieved, but antenna efficiency decreases as size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanar structureVSAvoidantenna efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a reflector surface design that replicates the effective functionality of complex phased array systems but with a simpler, more efficient passive structure. The reflector copies the beam steering function without the energy losses associated with active electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If mechanized tracking system is used, then satellite tracking capability is achieved, but antenna size and profile increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesatellite tracking capabilityVSAvoidantenna profile height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanized tracking systems with an electromagnetic field-based solution. The reflector's geometric design and gap positioning enable automatic beam steering through electromagnetic wave interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical movement components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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, cost-effective antenna system with high conversion efficiency, capable of two-dimensional beam steering, suitable for consumer applications, and adaptable to various frequencies and polarizations, reducing the need for phase shifters and complex waveguide networks.

Implementation Method 1

the element comprises a sidewall forming a distal opening spaced apart from the surface of the waveguide... radiating the wave energy from the radiating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7554505B2Integrated waveguide antenna array

Publication Date: 2009.06.30 ORR PARTNERS I LP

AI summary

An antenna array is provided having a waveguide cavity. The waveguide cavity has a plurality of holes formed on the top surface thereof. Radiating elements are provided on the top surface, each about one of the holes. A radiation source coupled planar wave radiation through an opening in one of the sides of the waveguide cavity.