ROTATABLE ANTENNA SYSTEM HAVING ROTATABLE WIRELESS INTERCONNECT - Patent application

Abstract

The rotatable antenna can include a rotatable wireless interconnect having a stator coil pad coupled to a power port for receiving power and a data port for communicating data, and a rotor coil pad in bidirectional communication with the stator coil pad. The rotor coil pad overlaps the stator coil pad and is spaced apart from the stator coil pad, the rotor coil pad being rotatable about an axis. A radiating element is coupled to the rotor coil pad, and changes in rotation of the rotor coil pad about the axis change the pointing direction of the radiating element. Multiple wireless channels are established between the stator coil pad and the rotor coil pad, and a first of the multiple wireless channels transfers power from the stator coil pad to the rotor coil pad.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 828,612, filed April 3, 2019, entitled “Antenna System With Wireless Rotatable Interconnect,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to rotatable antenna systems. More specifically, the present disclosure describes an antenna system having a rotatable wireless interconnect. [Background technology]

[0003] A satellite antenna (e.g., a directional antenna) may be implemented as a satellite dish for a mobile station, such as an aircraft, ship, or ground vehicle. In some such embodiments, the satellite antenna includes a parabolic reflector and a feed antenna. Alternatively, the satellite antenna may be implemented as a waveguide array. Additionally, the support structure for the satellite antenna may include a base on which the satellite antenna is mounted. Additionally, the support structure may include a movable joint or multiple pivots that allow the satellite antenna to change azimuth, elevation, and / or skew to adjust the orientation of the satellite antenna.

[0004] An auto-tracking satellite dish is a satellite dish used while a moving body, such as an aircraft, ground vehicle, or watercraft, is in motion. Auto-tracking satellite dishes utilize a gyroscope, a global positioning system (GPS) position sensor, unique satellite identification data, and an integrated data decoder to help identify the particular satellite to which the satellite dish is pointed. Auto-tracking satellite dishes include a motor for driving and aiming the satellite dish, as well as a speed sensor for detecting changes in position while the moving body is in motion. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In one embodiment, the rotatable antenna may include a rotatable wireless interconnect having a stator coil pad connected to a power port for receiving power and a data port for communicating data, and a rotor coil pad in bidirectional communication with the stator coil pad. The rotor coil pad overlaps the stator coil pad, but the rotor coil pad is spaced apart from the stator coil pad. Further, the rotor coil pad is rotatable about an axis. The rotatable antenna may include a radiating element connected to the rotor coil pad. A change in rotation of the rotor coil pad about the axis changes a pointing direction of the radiating element. A plurality of wireless channels are established between the stator coil pad and the rotor coil pad, a first channel of the plurality of wireless channels transfers power from the stator coil pad to the rotor coil pad, and a second channel of the plurality of wireless channels transfers data between the stator coil pad and the rotor coil pad. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a rotatable antenna system having a rotatable wireless interconnect.

[0007] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a rotatable antenna system having two rotatable wireless interconnects.

[0008] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a satellite communication system having a rotatable mobile antenna system mounted on an aircraft.

[0009] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a rotatable antenna system having a rotatable wireless interconnect.

[0010] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a partially assembled and exploded view of the rotatable antenna system of FIG. 4A.

[0011] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C shows an assembly view of the rotatable antenna system of FIG. 4A.

[0012] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of another rotatable antenna system having a rotatable wireless interconnect.

[0013] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows an assembly view of the rotatable antenna system of FIG. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present disclosure describes a rotatable antenna system, such as an antenna system for communicating with a satellite. The rotatable antenna system may be mounted on a mobile vehicle, such as an aircraft, a ground vehicle, or a watercraft. The rotatable antenna system may include a rotatable wireless interconnect. The rotatable wireless interconnect provides a low-friction (or frictionless) interface for rotation of the rotatable antenna system.

[0015] More specifically, the rotatable wireless interconnect may include a stator coil pad connected to a power port for receiving power and connected to a data port for data communication. The rotatable wireless interconnect may also include a rotor coil pad in bidirectional communication with the stator coil pad. The rotor coil pad overlaps the stator coil pad and the rotor coil pad is spaced apart from the stator coil pad. The stator coil pad forms a primary winding of a transformer and the rotor coil pad forms a secondary winding of the transformer. By energizing the stator coil pad, a mutual inductance is induced between the stator coil pad and the rotor coil pad. The mutual inductance enables bidirectional communication via magnetic resonant coupling.

[0016] In addition, the rotor coil pads are rotatable about the axis. More specifically, the rotor coil pads can be continuously rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction on a plane perpendicular to the axis. The radiating elements can be connected (directly or indirectly) to the rotor coil pads, such that a change in rotation of the rotor coil pads about the axis changes the pointing direction of the radiating elements. In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotor coil pads can change the azimuth angle of the radiating elements. In other embodiments, the rotation of the rotor coil pads can change the elevation angle or skew of the radiating elements.

[0017] The rotatable wireless interconnect allows multiple wireless channels (e.g., communication channels) to be established between the stator coil pads and the rotor coil pads. Additionally, a multiple channel power channel transmits power from the stator coil pads to the rotor coil pads, and a multiple channel data channel transmits data between the stator coil pads and the rotor coil pads. Power provided to the rotor coil pads can be used to operate a motor to rotate the rotatable wireless interconnect.

[0018] As described above, the rotor coil pads and the stator coil pads are spaced apart and communicate wirelessly through magnetic resonant coupling. In this manner, the need for mechanical joints and / or contacts (e.g., brushes) to enable rotation of the radiating element is eliminated. Rather, the rotatable wireless interconnect provides a low-friction interface between the rotor coil pads and the stator coil pads to enable rotation of the rotor coil pads, thereby allowing the radiating element to rotate without incurring physical wear at the joints and / or mechanical contacts, thereby extending the usable life of the rotatable antenna system. Additionally, by eliminating the need for a wired connection between the stator coil pads and the rotor coil pads, the rotor coil pads can be rotated continuously without wire wrapping.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary rotatable antenna system 100 including a rotatable wireless interconnect 102. The rotatable wireless interconnect 102 may be used to change the pointing direction of the radiating elements 104. The rotatable antenna system 100 may be used in a mobile satellite antenna where the pointing direction of the radiating elements 104 may be dynamically changed. In some embodiments, the rotatable antenna system 100 may be mounted on an aircraft to communicate with a satellite. In other embodiments, the rotatable antenna system 100 may be mounted on a vessel (e.g., a ship) or a ground vehicle to communicate with a satellite. In any of these situations, as the aircraft, vessel, or ground vehicle moves, the pointing direction of the radiating elements 104 may need to be changed.

[0020] In some embodiments, the radiating element 104 may represent a satellite dish (e.g., a feed element and a reflector). In other embodiments, the radiating element 104 may represent a waveguide array.

[0021] The rotatable wireless interconnect 102 may include a stator coil pad 110 and a rotor coil pad 112. The rotor coil pad 112 may overlap the stator coil pad 110. The stator coil pad 110 may be configured to remain stationary relative to the rotor coil pad 112 and relative to the aircraft, ship, or ground vehicle on which the rotatable antenna system 100 is mounted. The rotor coil pad 112 may rotate about an axis 114 relative to the position of the stator coil pad 110. More specifically, the rotor coil pad 112 may rotate on a plane perpendicular to the axis 114, as indicated by the arrow 116. That is, the rotor coil pad 112 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in a plane that intersects the axis 114 at a right angle.

[0022] For ease of explanation, the term "superpose" is used throughout this disclosure to describe the relative position of two adjacent surfaces in a selected orientation. The examples used throughout this disclosure show one selected orientation. However, in the examples described, the selected orientation is arbitrary and other orientations (e.g., upside down, rotated 90 degrees, etc.) are possible within the scope of this disclosure.

[0023] The stator coil pad 110 may include a primary winding 113 (e.g., a first induction coil) of a transformer, and the rotor coil pad 112 may include a secondary winding 115 (e.g., a second induction coil) of the transformer. In this manner, the stator coil pad 110 and the rotor coil pad 112 are spaced apart from one another, and when the stator coil pad 110 is energized, the stator coil pad 110 and the rotor coil pad 112 have a mutual inductance with one another. In some embodiments, the stator coil pad 110 and the rotor coil pad 112 are separated by an air gap. In other embodiments, the stator coil pad 110 and the rotor coil pad 112 are separated by the housings (e.g., the stator housing and the rotor housing) of the respective stator coil pad 110 and the rotor coil pad 112. In such a situation, the stator housing and the rotor housing may be formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, and the stator housing abuts the rotor housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the stator coil pads 110 are attached to an antenna base 120. Similarly, the stator coil pads 110 may be attached to a rotor base 122. The antenna base 120 may include stator electronics 124, and the rotor base 122 may include rotor electronics 126.

[0025] The stator electronics 124 can be connected to the stator coil pads 110 and can energize the stator coil pads 110. The rotor electronics 126 can be connected to the rotor coil pads 112. The stator electronics 124 can operate in cooperation with the rotor electronics 126 to enable wireless bidirectional communication between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112. In some implementations, there can be multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112.

[0026] More specifically, the stator electronics 124 can also be connected to a power port 130 and a data port 132. The power port 130 can be connected to a power source 134 that can provide a power signal, such as a direct current (DC) power signal or an alternating current (AC) signal, to the stator electronics 124. In such a situation, the stator electronics 124 can include a power control module 136 that can convert and / or condition the power signal into a signal for communication over the power channels of the multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112. The multiple wireless channels can be established by magnetic resonant coupling between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112. In other words, a magnetic field established by mutual inductance between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112 can enable bidirectional communication between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112.

[0027] Additionally, the data port 132 may be connected to a network node 140. The network node 140 may be implemented, for example, as a computing platform (e.g., processor and memory) or a network router upstream of a computing platform or multiple computing platforms. The network node 140 may communicate data (e.g., bidirectionally) between the data port 132 and the network node 140. The stator electronics 124 may include a data encoder / decoder module 142 for encoding (e.g., modulating) data provided from the data port 132 onto a data channel of multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112. In some embodiments, the data encoder / decoder module 142 may be implemented using a modem.

[0028] Additionally, the stator electronics 124 may be coupled to a control port 150. The control port 150 may be coupled to a controller 152. The controller 152 may provide commands to the stator electronics 124 for controlling the position of the radiating elements 104. The stator electronics 124 may include a command encoder 154 that may encode (e.g., modulate) the commands provided to the control port 150 onto a control channel of the multiple wireless channels. Additionally, in some embodiments, the commands may be provided to the data port 132 by the network node 140.

[0029] The rotor coil pads 112 can receive signals transmitted through multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112. Additionally, the rotor electronics 126 can process signals transmitted through multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 110 and the rotor coil pads 112.

[0030] The rotor electronics 126 may include a data encoder / decoder 168 that may encode (e.g., modulate) data provided on a data channel onto a radio frequency (RF) signal and provide the modulated RF signal to the radiating elements 104 for transmission to the satellite. Additionally, the data encoder / decoder 168 may demodulate received RF signals and remodulate the resulting signals for transmission from the rotor coil pads 112 to the stator coil pads 110 over the multiple channel data channels. The data encoder / decoder 168 may be implemented as a modem.

[0031] The rotor electronics 126 can be coupled to the motor 160. The rotor electronics 126 can include a power control module 162 that can provide power provided through a power channel of the multiple channels to the motor 160 to energize the motor 160. In some embodiments, the rotor electronics 126 can include an antenna control unit 164 that can decode commands provided on the control channel and / or the data channel of the multiple channels to control activation and deactivation of the motor 160. The power control module 162 can be configured to respond to commands provided to the power control from the antenna control unit 164. More specifically, the power control module 162 can provide commands to the motor 160 to activate or deactivate the motor 160.

[0032] When the motor 160 is actuated, it drives and rotates the rotator 170, which is mechanically coupled to the motor 160. The rotator 170 may be implemented, for example, as a gear (e.g., a worm gear), a belt and pulley, or the like. Rotation of the rotator 170 causes the rotor coil pads 112 to rotate about the axis 114, i.e., in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow 116. Additionally, certain components, including the radiating element 104 and the rotor base 122, may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the rotor coil pads 112. Thus, rotation of the rotor coil pads 112 may cause a corresponding rotation by the radiating element 104, changing the pointing direction of the radiating element 104.

[0033] As one example, rotating the rotor coil pads 112 can change the azimuth angle of the radiating elements 104. In another example, rotating the rotor coil pads 112 can change the elevation angle of the radiating elements 104. In yet another example, rotating the rotor coil pads 112 can change the skew angle of the radiating elements 104.

[0034] Additionally, fasteners 172 may be coupled to the rotor coil pads 112 and restrict rotation of the rotor coil pads 112 to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 114. In other words, the fasteners 172 prevent the rotor coil pads 112 from wobbling and restrict the rotor coil pads 112 to a single axis of rotation. The fasteners 172 may be implemented using, for example, bearings or guide rails. In some embodiments, there may be multiple fasteners 172.

[0035] As mentioned above, the rotor coil pad 112 and the stator coil pad 110 are spaced apart parts and communicate wirelessly by mutual inductance. In this manner, no mechanical joint is required to enable rotation of the radiating element 104. Instead, a low-friction interface between the rotor coil pad 112 and the stator coil pad 110 enables the rotor coil pad 112 to rotate and rotate the radiating element 104 without incurring physical wear on the joints or contacts, thereby extending the usable life of the rotatable antenna system 100. Furthermore, because there is no wired connection between the stator coil pad 110 and the rotor coil pad 112, the rotor coil pad 112 can be rotated continuously in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction without wire wrapping. Additionally, because power and data are transmitted wirelessly between the rotor coil pad 112 and the stator coil pad 110, the need for failure-prone mechanical contacts (e.g., brushes) for connection to the rotor electronics 126 is avoided.

[0036] 2 shows a block diagram of another exemplary rotatable antenna system 200 including two rotatable wireless interconnects, a first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 and a second rotatable wireless interconnect 204. The rotatable antenna system 200 may be mounted on an aircraft, a watercraft, or a ground vehicle. The first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 and the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 may operate in cooperation to change the pointing direction of the radiating element 104. For the purpose of simplicity of explanation, the same reference numbers are used to indicate the same structures in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Furthermore, some structures will not be reintroduced.

[0037] The first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 may be implemented using the rotatable wireless interconnect 102 of FIG. 1. The first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 may include a first stator coil pad 210 and a first rotor coil pad 212. The first stator coil pad 210 may be implemented using the stator coil pad 110 of FIG. 1, and the first rotor coil pad 212 may be implemented using the stator coil pad 110 of FIG. 1. Thus, the first stator coil pad 210 may be configured to remain stationary relative to the first rotor coil pad 212 and relative to the aircraft, ship, or ground vehicle on which the rotatable antenna system 200 is mounted. The first rotor coil pad 212 may rotate about a first axis 214 relative to the position of the first stator coil pad 210. More specifically, the first rotor coil pad 212 may rotate on a plane perpendicular to the first axis 214 as indicated by the arrow 216. That is, the first rotor coil pad 212 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in a plane that intersects the first axis 214 at a right angle.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first stator coil pad 210 is attached to an antenna base 220. The first rotor coil pad 212 can be attached to a first rotor base 222. The antenna base 220 can include the stator electronics 124 of FIG. 1, and the first rotor base 222 can include the rotor electronics 126 of FIG.

[0039] The second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 may include a second stator coil pad 230 and a second rotor coil pad 232. The second stator coil pad 230 may be implemented using the stator coil pad 110 of FIG. 1, and the second rotor coil pad 232 may be implemented using the rotor coil pad 112 of FIG. 1. Thus, the second stator coil pad 230 may be configured to remain stationary relative to the second rotor coil pad 232 and relative to the aircraft, ship, or ground vehicle on which the rotatable antenna system 200 is mounted. The second rotor coil pad 232 may rotate about a second axis 234 relative to the position of the second stator coil pad 230. More specifically, the second rotor coil pad 232 may rotate on a plane perpendicular to the second axis 234 as indicated by arrow 236. That is, the second rotor coil pad 232 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in a plane perpendicular to the second axis 234 .

[0040] In some embodiments, the second stator coil pad 230 is attached to the antenna base 220. The second rotor coil pad 232 may be attached to a second rotor base 240. The second rotor base 240 may include another example of the rotor electronics 126 of FIG.

[0041] In some embodiments, the stator electronics 124 can be connected to the first stator coil pad 210 and the second stator coil pad 230. In such a situation, the stator electronics 124 can energize the first stator coil pad 210 and the second stator coil pad 230. The rotor electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 can be connected to the first rotor coil pad 212. The stator electronics 224 can operate in cooperation with the rotor electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 to enable wireless bidirectional communication between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212. In some embodiments, there can be multiple wireless channels between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212. Similarly, the stator electronics 224 can operate in cooperation with the rotor electronics 126 of the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 to enable wireless bidirectional communication between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232. In some embodiments, there can be multiple wireless channels between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232. In other embodiments, multiple instances of the stator electronics 124 can be implemented to communicate with one of the first stator coil pad 210 and the second stator coil pad 230.

[0042] The power port 130 can be connected to a power source 134 that can provide a power signal, such as a DC power signal or an AC signal, to the stator electronics 124. In such a situation, the stator electronics 124 can convert and / or condition the power signal into a signal for communication over the power channels of the multiple wireless channels between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212. In addition, the stator electronics 124 can convert and / or condition the power signal into a signal for communication over the power channels of the multiple wireless channels between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232.

[0043] Additionally, the data port 132 may be connected to a network node 140. The network node 140 may communicate data (e.g., bidirectionally) between the data port 132 and the network node 140. The stator electronics 124 may encode (e.g., modulate) data provided from the data port 132 onto a data channel of a plurality of wireless channels between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212.

[0044] Additionally, the control port 150 may be coupled to a controller 152. The controller 152 may provide commands to the stator electronics 124 for rotating the radiating elements 104. The stator electronics 124 may encode (e.g., modulate) the commands provided to the control port 150 onto a control channel of the multiple wireless channels between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212, as well as onto a control channel of the multiple wireless channels between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232. Additionally, in some embodiments, the commands may be provided to the data port 132 by the network node 140.

[0045] The first rotor coil pad 212 can receive signals transmitted through multiple wireless channels between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212. Similarly, the second rotor coil pad 232 can receive signals transmitted through multiple wireless channels between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232. Furthermore, the rotor electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 can process signals transmitted through multiple wireless channels between the first stator coil pad 210 and the first rotor coil pad 212. Similarly, the rotor electronics 126 of the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 can process signals transmitted through multiple wireless channels between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232.

[0046] The rotator electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 may encode and decode (e.g., modulate and demodulate) data communicated between the radiating elements 104 and the data channels of the multiple wireless channels. This encoding and decoding enables communication between the satellite and the network node 140.

[0047] The rotor electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 can be connected to a first motor 260, and the rotor electronics 126 of the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 can be connected to a second motor 262. The rotor electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 can provide power provided through the power channels of the multiple wireless channels to the first motor 260 to energize the first motor 260. Similarly, the rotor electronics 126 of the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 can provide power provided through the power channels of the multiple wireless channels to the second motor 262 to energize the second motor 262. The first motor 260 and the second motor 262 can be implemented using the motor 160 of FIG.

[0048] In some embodiments, the rotator electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 and the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 can decode commands provided on the control channel and / or the data channel of the multiple channels to control the activation and deactivation of the respective first motor 260 and second motor 262. Thus, the rotator electronics 126 of the first rotatable wireless interconnect 202 and the second rotatable wireless interconnect 204 can selectively activate or deactivate the respective first motor 260 and second motor 262.

[0049] When the first motor 260 is operated, it drives the first rotator 270 mechanically coupled to the first motor 260, causing the first rotator 270 to rotate. Similarly, when the second motor 262 is operated, it drives the second rotator 272 mechanically coupled to the second motor 262, causing the second rotator 272 to rotate. The first rotator 270 and the second rotator 272 can be realized using the rotator 170 of FIG. 1. When the first rotator 270 is rotated, the first rotor coil pad 212 is rotated about the first axis 214, and when the second rotator 272 is rotated, the second rotor coil pad 232 is rotated about the second axis 234. Further, certain components including the radiating element 104 and the first rotor base 222 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the first rotor coil pad 212. Additionally, components including the radiating element 104 and the second rotor base 240 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the second rotor coil pad 232. Thus, rotation of the first rotor coil pad 212 may cause a corresponding rotation by the radiating element 104, changing the pointing direction of the radiating element 104. Additionally, rotation of the second rotor coil pad 232 may also cause a corresponding rotation of the radiating element 104, changing the pointing direction of the radiating element 104.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first axis 214 and the second axis 234 are perpendicular to one another. Thus, in some embodiments, rotation of the first rotor coil pad 212 can change the azimuth angle of the radiating element 104, and rotation of the second rotor coil pad 232 can change the elevation angle of the radiating element 104. In other embodiments, the first axis 214 and the second axis 234 are disposed at an oblique angle to one another such that rotation of the first rotor coil pad 212 and / or the second rotor coil pad 232 can additionally or alternatively change the skew of the radiating element 104.

[0051] Further, the first fasteners 274 can be coupled to the first rotor coil pad 212 and restrict rotation of the first rotor coil pad 212 to a plane that intersects the first axis of rotation 214 (e.g., a single axis of rotation). Additionally, the second fasteners 276 can be coupled to the second rotor coil pad 232 and restrict rotation of the second rotor coil pad 232 to a plane that intersects the second axis of rotation 234 (e.g., a single axis of rotation). In other words, the first fasteners 274 restrict the first rotor coil pad 212 to the first single axis of rotation, and the second fasteners 276 restrict the second rotor coil pad 232 to the second single axis of rotation. The first fasteners 274 and the second fasteners 276 can be implemented using the fasteners 172 of FIG. 1.

[0052] The first rotor coil pad 212 and the first stator coil pad 210 are spaced apart and communicate wirelessly by mutual inductance. Additionally, the second rotor coil pad 232 and the second stator coil pad 230 are spaced apart and communicate wirelessly by mutual inductance. In this manner, the need for mechanical joints or mechanical contacts to enable rotation of the radiating element 104 is eliminated. Instead, the low friction interface between the first rotor coil pad 212 and the first stator coil pad 210, as well as the low friction interface between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232, respectively, enables rotation of the first rotor coil pad 212 and the second rotor coil pad 232, respectively, to rotate the radiating element 104 without incurring physical wear at the joints, thereby extending the usable life of the rotatable antenna system 200. Additionally, because the interface between the first rotor coil pad 212 and the first stator coil pad 210 and the interface between the second stator coil pad 230 and the second rotor coil pad 232 are each wireless, the first rotor coil pad 212 and the second rotor coil pad 232 can rotate continuously without wire wrapping.

[0053] 3 shows a diagram of a satellite communications system 300. The satellite communications system 300 includes a first satellite 304, a first gateway 306, a first gateway antenna system 308, and an aircraft 320. The first gateway 306 communicates with at least a first network 322. In operation, the satellite communications system 300 can provide one-way or two-way communications between the aircraft 320 and the first network 322 through at least the first satellite 304 and the first gateway 306.

[0054] In some embodiments, satellite communications system 300 includes a second satellite 330, a second gateway 332, and a second gateway antenna system 334. The second gateway 332 may be in communication with at least a second network 336. In operation, satellite communications system 300 may provide one-way or two-way communications between aircraft 320 and second network 336 through at least the second satellite 330 and the second gateway 332.

[0055] The first satellite 304 and the second satellite 330 may be any suitable type of communications satellite. In some embodiments, the first satellite 304 and / or the second satellite 330 may be in a geostationary orbit. In other embodiments, the first satellite 304 and / or the second satellite 330 may be in a suitable orbit (e.g., low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), etc.). The first satellite 304 and / or the second satellite 330 may be a multi-beam satellite configured to provide service to multiple service beam coverage areas within a predefined geographic service area. In some embodiments, the first satellite 304 and the second satellite 330 may provide service to non-overlapping coverage areas, partially overlapping coverage areas, or fully overlapping coverage areas. In some embodiments, the satellite communications system 300 may include additional satellites.

[0056] The first gateway antenna system 308 may be implemented on a satellite ground station and may enable one-way or two-way capable communication between the first satellite 304 and the first gateway antenna system 308. More specifically, the first gateway antenna system 308 may be designed to have sufficient transmission power and reception sensitivity to reliably communicate with the first satellite 304. The first satellite 304 may communicate with the first gateway antenna system 308 by transmitting and receiving signals through one or more beams 309. The first gateway 306 uses the first gateway antenna system 308 to transmit and receive signals to and from the first satellite communication 304. The first gateway 306 is connected to a first network 322. The first network 322 may include a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or any other suitable public or private network, and the first network 322 may be connected to other communications networks, such as the Internet, a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), etc.

[0057] An example of the satellite communication system 300 may include a second satellite 330, with either its own or shared associated system components. For example, the second gateway antenna system 334 may also be unidirectional or bidirectional and may be designed to have sufficient transmit power and receive sensitivity to reliably communicate with the second satellite 330. The second satellite 330 may communicate with the second gateway antenna system 334 by transmitting and receiving signals through one or more beams 335. The second gateway 332 transmits and receives signals to and from the second satellite 330 using the second gateway antenna system 334. The second gateway 332 is connected to a second network 336. The second network 336 may include a LAN, MAN, WAN, and / or any other suitable public or private network, and may be connected to other communication networks, such as the Internet, a telephone network (e.g., PSTN), and the like.

[0058] In various embodiments, the first network 322 and the second network 336 can be the same or different networks. Additionally, the first gateway 306 and the second gateway 332 can be different gateways or the same gateway. In various embodiments, the first gateway antenna system 308 and the second gateway antenna system 334 can be different gateway antenna systems or the same gateway antenna system.

[0059] The aircraft 320 may use a communication system including a rotatable mobile antenna system 340 mounted on the aircraft 320. The rotatable mobile antenna system 340 may be implemented using, for example, the rotatable antenna system 100 of FIG. 1 or the rotatable antenna system 200 of FIG. 2. The rotatable mobile antenna system 340 may include radiating elements 342 for communicating with the first satellite 304 and the second satellite 330. The rotatable mobile antenna system 340 may be mounted on the exterior of the aircraft 320 fuselage. The rotatable mobile antenna system 340 may include at least one rotatable wireless interconnect 344 to enable changing the pointing direction of the radiating elements 342 during operation. In some embodiments, the rotatable mobile antenna system 340 may include multiple rotatable wireless interconnects 344 to enable changing the azimuth, elevation and / or skew of the radiating elements 342.

[0060] The radiating element 342 may operate in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Ku, K, or Ka band, e.g., between about 17 and 31 Giga-Hertz (GHz). Alternatively, the radiating element 342 may operate in other frequency bands, such as C-band, X-band, S-band, L-band, etc. In various embodiments, the radiating element 342 may be configured to operate in multiple frequency bands or in a single frequency band.

[0061] During operation, the aircraft 320 may have a location within the coverage area of ​​the first satellite 304 and / or within the coverage area of ​​the second satellite 330, and the rotatable mobile antenna system 340 may control the radiating elements 342 to selectively point toward the first satellite 304 or the second satellite 330. Additionally, as described herein, the use of the at least one rotatable wireless interconnect 344 allows for changing the pointing direction of the radiating elements 342 without incurring mechanical wear at joints or mechanical contacts. In other words, the at least one rotatable wireless interconnect 344 allows for rotation of the radiating elements 342 without mechanical joints or contacts (e.g., rotational joints) that are prone to failure after repeated use.

[0062] For example, in a first mode of operation, while the aircraft 320 is located within the coverage area of ​​the first satellite 304, the aircraft 320 may communicate with the first satellite 304 via one or more first beams 350 using the radiating elements 342 of the rotatable mobile antenna system 340. In a second mode of operation, while the aircraft 320 is located within the coverage area of ​​the second satellite 330, the aircraft 320 may communicate with the second satellite 330 via one or more second beams 352 using the radiating elements 342 of the rotatable mobile antenna system 340. The second mode may be selected, for example, such that in response to the aircraft 320 entering and / or leaving the coverage area of ​​the first satellite 304, the pointing direction of the radiating elements 342 is changed to point toward the second satellite 330. In an embodiment in which the aircraft is located within an overlapping coverage area of ​​both the first satellite 304 and the second satellite 330, the second mode may be selected based on other factors such as network availability, communication capability, communication costs, signal strength, signal quality, etc.

[0063] The communication system of the aircraft 320 may provide communication services for communication devices within the aircraft 320 via encoders / decoders, such as the data encoder / decoder module 142 of FIG. 1. The communication devices may be portable communication devices, such as, for example, laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, and the like. The communication devices may utilize a rotatable mobile antenna system 340 to connect to and access the first network 322 and / or the second network 336. For example, the communication devices may communicate with the first network 322 and / or the second network 336 via a network connection to a router, which may be wired or wireless. The wireless connection may be, for example, a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, such as IEEE 802.21 (Wi-Fi), or other wireless communication technology.

[0064] FIG 4A shows an exploded view of a rotatable antenna system 400 including a rotatable radio interconnect 402. FIG 4B shows a partially assembled exploded view of the rotatable antenna system 400. FIG 4C shows the rotatable antenna system 400 in an assembled form. The rotatable radio interconnect 402 may include a stator coil pad 404 and a rotor coil pad 406. The rotatable radio interconnect 402 may be implemented using the rotatable radio interconnect 402 of FIG 1.

[0065] The rotor coil pad 406 may overlap the stator coil pad 404, and the rotor coil pad 406 may be spaced apart from the stator coil pad 404. The rotor coil pad 406 may be implemented using the rotor coil pad 112 of FIG. 1, and the stator coil pad 404 may be implemented using the stator coil pad 110 of FIG. 1. The stator coil pad 404 may be attached to an antenna base 408, and the rotor coil pad 406 may be attached to a rotor base 410. The antenna base 408 may be implemented in a manner similar to the antenna base 120 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the rotor base 410 may be implemented using the rotor base 122 of FIG. 1.

[0066] The antenna base 408 may include a power port (hidden in the figure) connected to a power source (not shown). The antenna base 408 may also include a data port 412 for receiving data from a network node. The antenna base 408 may include stator electronics 420, which may be implemented using the stator electronics 124 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the rotor base 410 may include rotor electronics 423, which may be implemented using the rotor electronics 126 of FIG. 1.

[0067] The stator electronics 420 and the rotor electronics 423 can establish bidirectional communication between the stator coil pads 404 and the rotor coil pads 406 over multiple wireless channels, such as a power channel, a data channel, and a command channel. In particular, the stator electronics 420 can include a data encoder / decoder 422 that can encode (e.g., modulate) and / or decode (e.g., demodulate) data communicated with a network node for communication over the data channel between the stator coil pads 404 and the rotor coil pads 406. Additionally, in some embodiments, commands for controlling the position of the rotor coil pads 406 can be provided through the data port 412. In such circumstances, commands can be provided through a command channel of the multiple wireless channels. In other embodiments, commands can be provided through a control port (not shown), such as the control port 150 of FIG. 1.

[0068] The antenna base 408 may include a power port (hidden in the figure). The stator electronics 420 may include a power control module (e.g., the power control module 136 of FIG. 1 ) for providing a power signal through a power channel of multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 404 and the rotor coil pads 406.

[0069] Radiating element 440 may be attached to rotor base 410. Radiating element 440 may be implemented using radiating element 104 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, radiating element 440 is implemented as a feed horn attached to the focal point of a concave reflector 442. In this embodiment, the pointing direction of reflector 442 defines the pointing direction of radiating element 440, since an RF signal is communicated to radiating element 440 in the pointing direction of reflector 442.

[0070] The rotor base 410 may include rotor electronics 444 (e.g., rotor electronics 126 of FIG. 1 ) that may be connected to the radiating elements and the rotor coil pads 406. Thus, the rotor electronics 444 may be used to facilitate communication between the stator electronics 420 and the radiating elements 440.

[0071] Additionally, the motor 450 can be connected to rotor electronics 423. The rotor electronics 423 can selectively provide the power signal received through the power channel to the motor 450. When actuated, the motor 450 can drive a rotator (not shown), causing the rotor coil pads 406 to rotate about an axis 460. A mechanical fastener (not shown) can restrict the rotation of the rotor coil pads 406 to a plane that intersects the axis 460 at a right angle.

[0072] The rotor coil pads 406 may be continuously rotated about an axis 460 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 462. Rotation of the rotor coil pads 406 may cause the radiating elements 440 to change pointing direction. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the rotor coil pads 406 causes a change in azimuth angle of the radiating elements 440. However, in other embodiments, rotation of the rotor coil pads 406 may cause the radiating elements 440 to change elevation and / or skew.

[0073] The rotatable wireless interconnect 402 allows for rotation of the radiating element 440 without inducing wear on mechanical joints and / or mechanical contacts (e.g., brushes). Additionally, because the stator coil pads 404 and the rotor coil pads 406 communicate wirelessly, the rotor coil pads 406 can rotate continuously without cable wrapping.

[0074] Figure 5A shows an exploded view of a rotatable antenna system 500 including a rotatable wireless interconnect 502. Figure 5B shows the rotatable antenna system 500 in an assembled form. The rotatable wireless interconnect 502 may include a stator coil pad 504 and a rotor coil pad 506. The rotatable wireless interconnect 502 may be implemented using the rotatable wireless interconnect 502 of Figure 1.

[0075] The rotor coil pad 506 may overlap the stator coil pad 504, and the rotor coil pad 506 may be spaced apart from the stator coil pad 504. The rotor coil pad 506 may be implemented using the rotor coil pad 112 of FIG. 1, and the stator coil pad 504 may be implemented using the stator coil pad 110 of FIG. 1. The stator coil pad 504 may be attached to an antenna base 508, and the rotor coil pad 506 may be attached to a rotor base 510. The antenna base 508 may be implemented using the antenna package 120 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the rotor base 510 may be implemented using the rotor base 122 of FIG. 1.

[0076] The antenna base 508 may include a power port (hidden in the figure) connected to a power source (not shown). The antenna base 508 may also include a data port 512 for receiving data from a network node. The antenna base 508 may include stator electronics 520, which may be implemented using the stator electronics 124 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the rotor base 510 may include rotor electronics 522, which may be implemented using the rotor electronics 126 of FIG. 1.

[0077] The stator electronics 520 and the rotor electronics 522 can establish bidirectional communication between the stator coil pads 504 and the rotor coil pads 506 over multiple wireless channels, such as a power channel, a data channel, and a command channel. In particular, the stator electronics 520 can include a data encoder / decoder that can encode (e.g., modulate) and / or decode (e.g., demodulate) data communicated with a network node for communication over the data channel between the stator coil pads 504 and the rotor coil pads 506. Additionally, in some embodiments, commands for controlling the position of the rotor coil pads 506 can be provided through the data port 512. In such circumstances, commands can be provided through a command channel of the multiple wireless channels. In other embodiments, commands can be provided through a control port (not shown), such as the control port 150 of FIG. 1.

[0078] The antenna base 508 may include a power port 526 (hidden in the figure). The stator electronics 520 may include a power control module (e.g., power control module 136 of FIG. 1 ) for providing a power signal through a power channel of multiple wireless channels between the stator coil pads 504 and the rotor coil pads 506.

[0079] The first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 may be attached to the rotor base 510. The first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 may be implemented using the radiating element 104 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 is implemented as a waveguide array. In this embodiment, the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 point in different directions. In such a situation, the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 may be oriented to communicate with different satellites, such as the first satellite 304 and the second satellite 330 of FIG. 3. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 have azimuth angles 180 degrees apart.

[0080] The rotor base 510 may include rotor electronics 544 (e.g., rotor electronics 126) that may be connected to the radiating element and the rotor coil pads 506. Thus, the rotor electronics 544 may be used to facilitate communication between the stator electronics 520 and the first radiating element 540.

[0081] Additionally, the motor 550 can be connected to rotor electronics 522. The rotor electronics 522 can selectively provide the power signal received through the power channel to the motor 550. When actuated, the motor 550 can drive a rotator (not shown), causing the rotor coil pads 506 to rotate about an axis 560. A mechanical fastener (not shown) can restrict the rotation of the rotor coil pads 506 to a plane that intersects the axis 560 at a right angle.

[0082] The rotor coil pad 506 can be rotated about an axis 560 in a continuous clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 562. Rotation of the rotor coil pad 506 can cause the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 to change pointing direction. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the rotor coil pad 506 causes a change in azimuth angle of the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542. However, in other embodiments, rotation of the rotor coil pad 506 can cause the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 to change elevation angle and / or skew.

[0083] The rotatable wireless interconnect 502 allows for rotation of the first radiating element 540 and the second radiating element 542 without inducing wear on mechanical joints and / or mechanical contacts (e.g., brushes). Additionally, because the stator coil pad 504 and the rotor coil pad 506 communicate wirelessly, the rotor coil pad 506 can be rotated continuously without cable wrapping.

[0084] What has been described above is an example. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of elements or methodologies, but one skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and variations are possible. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. As used herein, the term "includes" means including but not limited to, and the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on. In addition, when the disclosure or claims recite "a," "an," "a first," or "another" element or equivalent thereof, the "first" or "another" element (or equivalent thereof) should be interpreted to include one or more such elements, and not to require or exclude two or more such elements.

Claims

1. A rotatable antenna having a rotatable wireless interconnect and a radiating element, comprising: The rotatable wireless interconnect comprises: a stator coil pad having a planar stator coil surface, the stator coil pad connected to a power port for receiving power and a data port for communicating data; a rotor coil pad having a planar rotor coil surface and in bidirectional communication with the stator coil pad, the rotor coil pad overlaps the stator coil pad and is spaced from the planar stator coil surface, the planar rotor coil surface being parallel to the planar stator coil surface, the rotor coil pad being rotatable about the axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction on a plane perpendicular to the axis, the axis being fixed relative to the rotatable wireless interconnect; the radiating element is connected to the rotor coil pad; a change in rotation of the rotor coil pads about the axis changes the pointing direction of the radiating elements; a plurality of wireless channels are established between the stator coil pads and the rotor coil pads, a first channel of the plurality of wireless channels transmits power from the stator coil pads to the rotor coil pads, and a second channel of the plurality of wireless channels transmits data between the stator coil pads and the rotor coil pads; a data encoder coupled to the rotor coil pad, the data encoder modulating at least a portion of the data transmitted over the second one of the plurality of wireless channels onto a radio frequency (RF) signal and providing the RF signal to the radiating element; a rotatable antenna further comprising a mechanical fastener for constraining rotation of the rotor coil pad to a plane perpendicular to the axis, the plane perpendicular to the axis being parallel to both the planar stator coil surface and the planar rotor coil surface.

2. The rotatable antenna of claim 1 , wherein a third channel of the plurality of wireless channels transmits commands for controlling a position of the rotor coil pads.

3. an antenna control unit connected to the rotor coil pad, the antenna control unit receiving the commands on the third channel of the plurality of wireless channels; 3. The rotatable antenna of claim 2, further comprising a motor coupled to the rotor for rotating the rotor coil pad, the antenna control unit providing commands to control the motor in response to receiving the commands on the third channel of the plurality of wireless channels.

4. 4. The rotatable antenna of claim 3, wherein the motor receives a power signal from the rotor coil pad, the power signal being provided in response to power transmitted to the rotor coil pad via the first channel.

5. The rotatable antenna of claim 1 , wherein rotation of the rotor coil pad changes the azimuth angle of the radiating element.

6. the rotatable wireless interconnect is a first rotatable wireless interconnect, the axis is a first axis, and the rotatable antenna is a second rotatable wireless interconnect comprising a stator coil pad connected to the power port to receive power, and a rotor coil pad in bidirectional communication with the stator coil pad of the second rotatable wireless interconnect; the rotor coil pads of the second rotatable wireless interconnect overlap the stator coil pads of the second rotatable wireless interconnect, the rotor coil pads of the second rotatable wireless interconnect are spaced apart from the stator coil pads of the second rotatable wireless interconnect, and the rotor coil pads of the second rotatable wireless interconnect are rotatable about a second axis; 2. The rotatable antenna of claim 1, wherein the radiating element is connected to the rotor coil pad of the second rotatable wireless interconnect, and a change in rotation of the rotor coil pad of the second rotatable wireless interconnect about the second axis changes a pointing direction of the radiating element.

7. 7. The rotatable antenna of claim 6, wherein rotation of the rotor coil pads of the first rotatable wireless interconnect changes an azimuth angle of the radiating element and rotation of the rotor coil pads of the second rotatable wireless interconnect changes an elevation angle of the radiating element.

8. The rotatable antenna of claim 1 , wherein the stator coil pad comprises a primary winding of a transformer, the primary winding establishing a mutual inductance with the secondary winding.

9. The rotatable antenna of claim 1 , wherein the stator coil pad comprises a primary winding of a transformer, the primary winding establishing a magnetic resonant coupling with the secondary winding.

10. 2. The rotatable antenna of claim 1, further comprising a first housing formed of a non-conductive material that houses the stator coil pads, and a second housing formed of a non-conductive material that houses the rotor coil pads, the second housing abutting the first housing at a planar interface.

11. The rotatable antenna of claim 1 , wherein the radiating element is mounted within a satellite dish.

12. The rotatable antenna of claim 1 , wherein the radiating element is a waveguide array.

13. 2. The rotatable antenna of claim 1, wherein the radiating element is a first radiating element pointing in a first direction and the rotatable antenna comprises a second radiating element pointing in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

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