Aircraft High-Gain Antenna Alignment for Remote Sensor Data Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote sensor systems face challenges in rapid data retrieval due to latency, bandwidth restrictions, and power requirements, especially when long-range data transfer is impractical due to weight, drag, and mechanical complexity issues with UAV-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fixed-wing aircraft with a high-gain antenna and a flight control system that maintains alignment with a stationary or nearly stationary transceiver, allowing for efficient wireless data transfer from remote sensor systems without the need for high-powered transmitters, using a processor to maneuver the aircraft and ensure continuous data reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long-range UAVs are used to retrieve data from remote sensor systems, then data retrieval capability is improved, but weight, aerodynamic drag, power requirements, and mechanical complexity increase, negatively impacting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equipping the remote sensor system with heavy satellite communication equipment, the patent inverts the approach by placing a high-gain antenna on the aircraft that can be precisely oriented toward the stationary transceiver. This shifts the complexity from the remote sensor system to the aircraft, which has more power and computational resources available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flight control system with a processor programmed to dynamically maneuver the aircraft to maintain optimal alignment of the high-gain antenna with the stationary transceiver. This dynamic positioning allows the antenna to maintain precise orientation despite aircraft movement, enabling reliable data transfer without requiring complex mechanical tracking systems on the remote sensor.
2Length of stationary object
If high-powered transmitters are used for long-distance data transmission, then data transfer distance is improved, but power requirements and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stationary transceiver as an intermediary that remains fixed near the remote sensor system. This transceiver communicates with the moving aircraft using a high-gain antenna system, enabling long-distance data transfer without requiring the remote sensor or aircraft to use high-powered transmitters. The stationary infrastructure handles the power-intensive communication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameters by using a high-gain antenna with directional beamforming capability on the aircraft. This allows the system to achieve long transmission distances not by increasing power, but by concentrating the transmitted energy in a specific direction toward the stationary transceiver, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining long-range capability.
3Loss of time
If data is stored in the sensor system until retrieval, then power consumption during operation is reduced, but data retrieval latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic data transfer by having the aircraft repeatedly pass over or near the stationary transceiver's coverage area. During each pass, data can be transferred wirelessly, creating multiple opportunities for data retrieval rather than requiring a single lengthy retrieval operation. This periodic interaction reduces both latency and the total energy required, as data is transferred in smaller increments during regular aircraft operations.
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
Enables rapid and efficient data transfer from remote sensor systems, reducing power consumption and mechanical complexity, while minimizing aerodynamic drag and weight, thus enhancing the reliability and speed of data retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a high-gain antenna for receiving radio signals transmitted by a stationary or nearly-stationary radio transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for retrieving data from remotely deployed sensor systems. Flight control systems are also provided for maintaining the orientation of a high gain antenna affixed to an aircraft relative to a stationary or nearly stationary transceiver.