Miniaturized Waveguide Antenna with Radiating Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waveguide antennas, particularly in S and C frequency bands, face challenges in reducing volume and mass due to the large size requirements for coaxial core placement, which is restrictive in space vehicles undergoing atmospheric re-entry.

Innovation Solution

Hybridization between a radiating plate and waveguide is used to adjust frequency dimensions, replacing traditional coaxial-waveguide transitions, with a metal casing and printed circuit substrate, allowing for a compact design and efficient frequency adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional coaxial-waveguide transition is used, then the antenna can transmit electromagnetic waves effectively, but the antenna occupies a large volume due to the λ/4 distance requirement for the coaxial core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna volumeVSAvoidfrequency adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of frequency adaptation from distance-based (λ/4 coaxial core placement) to dimension-based (radiating plate geometry). By adjusting the size, shape, and position of the radiating plate within the waveguide, the resonant frequency can be tuned without requiring the large λ/4 distance, thus reducing antenna volume while maintaining frequency control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The radiating plate acts as an intermediary element between the waveguide and the radiating aperture. It serves as a coupling structure that transforms the electromagnetic mode from the waveguide to free space radiation, enabling frequency adaptation through its geometric parameters rather than through distance-based coaxial positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of stationary object

If the antenna volume is reduced for space-constrained applications, then mass is reduced, but the frequency adaptation capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna massVSAvoidfrequency adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiating plate's geometric parameters (dimensions, shape, position) are changed to achieve frequency adaptation. This allows the antenna to be compact while maintaining the ability to tune to different frequencies by adjusting the plate's physical characteristics rather than its distance from the waveguide bottom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If a radiating plate hybridized with waveguide is used, then the antenna volume and mass are reduced, but the complexity of the transition structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna volumeVSAvoidtransition structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiating plate is merged with the waveguide structure to form an integrated hybrid antenna. The plate is positioned within the waveguide and electrically connected to it, creating a unified structure that combines the waveguide's transmission capability with the plate's resonant radiation property, simplifying the overall design compared to separate coaxial and waveguide components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a smaller, more efficient radiation device with reduced volume and mass, maintaining compatibility with waveguide dimensions and frequency, suitable for through-wall applications and space vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a radiating plate (3) for generating waves at a given frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

a waveguide (1) open at a first end and at a second end forming a radiating aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide transmission: Waveguide

Implementation Method 3

a casing (2) open on an upper face for connection with a first end of the waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2946435B1Antenna having a miniaturised waveguide
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP2946435B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2946435B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2946435B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is a radio transmission device having a waveguide antenna, the device transmitting in a given frequency band by means of the waveguide (1, 100) which comprises a radiant plate for exciting the waveguide antenna. Advantageously, the device further comprises a housing (2, 200) that is open on an upper face for connection with a first end of the waveguide (1, 100), the radiant plate (3, 31, 33) being arranged in the housing, a connector (4) comprising a contact (41) provided with an extension (32, 42, 34) connected to the radiant plate, and the housing is a metal housing that electrically closes a first end of the waveguide (1, 100).