Wedge-Shaped Antenna Array for Directional Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna systems lack the ability to efficiently transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in multiple directions with high directional diversity, requiring larger antennas and mechanical adjustments for beam orientation.
Innovation Solution
The antenna system employs a wedge-shaped array configuration with multi-modal radiators arranged in a geometric structure, allowing for dual polarization and forming angles between 1° and 45°, enabling broadside and end-fire modes, and can be arranged in various geometries like planar, circular, or cylindrical shapes to achieve beam-on-demand functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna systems are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in multiple directions, then directional diversity is achieved, but the antenna size increases and mechanical adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent radiator panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently controlled. Each panel can be individually adjusted to achieve different beam directions, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment of the entire antenna structure and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional antenna arrays to a three-dimensional configuration with panels arranged in multiple spatial dimensions. The panels are positioned at different orientations (including perpendicular arrangements) to create volumetric coverage, enabling multi-directional transmission and reception without increasing the footprint area.
2Power
If conventional antenna systems are used to achieve high antenna gain, then transmission efficiency is improved, but mechanical beam orientation adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam orientation adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. Phase shifters and signal processors electronically adjust the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each radiator panel, enabling rapid beam steering without any mechanical movement. This maintains high antenna gain while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system implements dynamic beamforming capabilities where the radiation pattern can be electronically reconfigured in real-time. By dynamically adjusting the excitation parameters of each radiator panel through electronic controls, the system can adapt beam orientation and shape instantaneously without mechanical inertia or movement constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger antennas are used to achieve multi-directional coverage, then directional diversity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each radiator panel is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both transmission and reception modes while contributing to multiple beam directions simultaneously. The panels can be independently configured for different functions (e.g., widebeam mode for coverage, narrowbeam mode for focused communication), reducing the need for separate specialized antenna structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple radiator panels with different orientations into a single integrated antenna system. By merging the functionality of what would traditionally require separate antenna structures (horizontally polarized panels, vertically polarized panels, and angled panels) into one unified system with electronic control, multi-directional coverage is achieved without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 configuration allows for efficient transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves in nearly any direction with elevation and azimuth diversity, reducing the size of the antenna system while maintaining high antenna gain and operational flexibility, and eliminating the need for mechanical beam orientation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna (or aerial) is an electrical device that converts electric power into radio waves, and vice versa. In transmission, a radio transmitter supplies an oscillating radio frequency electric current to the antenna's terminals, and the antenna radiates the energy from the current as electromagnetic waves (radio waves).
Implementation Method 2
The first panel of radiators and the second panel of radiators form an angle between about 1 degree and about 45 degrees... enabling broadside and end-fire modes... efficient transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves in nearly any direction with elevation and azimuth diversity
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system can include a first panel of radiators that extend from a vertex in a first substantially linear direction. The antenna system can also include a second panel of radiators extending from the vertex in a second substantially linear direction. The first panel of radiators and the second panel of radiators form an angle between about 1 degree and about 45 degrees to enhance gain.