Low-Profile Monopulse Tracker With Angled Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monopulse antenna systems require steering to maintain the object in view, which is undesirable in applications like aircraft due to space and drag considerations, and have limited field of view.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile monopulse tracker with multiple angled monopulse antenna systems that generate independent tracking channels, allowing for the calculation of precise object position without steering, as each system's orientation provides a larger field of view and ensures the object remains within view even when moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pedestal-mounted monopulse antenna system is used for steering, then the object can be kept in the field of view, but the system requires undesirable aircraft fuselage changes and increases drag
Solution Approach 1:
The monopulse antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in a planar configuration. Each element can be independently controlled to steer the beam, eliminating the need for a pedestal-mounted structure while maintaining tracking capability. This segmentation allows the system to be integrated directly into the aircraft fuselage without requiring external mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-axis pedestal mounting to a multi-element planar array that provides steering capability in both azimuth and elevation dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to track objects across a wider field of view without requiring mechanical rotation of a pedestal structure.
2Device complexity
If a single monopulse antenna system is used, then the structure is simple, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple monopulse antenna systems are merged into a single integrated array structure. The combined system processes signals from all elements to achieve a field of view that is the union of individual element fields of view, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining a compact planar form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can steer the beam in different directions, track objects across a wide field of view, and maintain a compact structure suitable for aircraft integration. Each antenna element contributes to multiple tracking channels, providing versatile functionality from a unified structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A monopulse tracker includes multiple dual-axis monopulse antenna systems that are angled with respect to one another. The orientations of the monopulse antenna systems create a much larger field of view for the monopulse tracker to eliminate the need to steer the monopulse tracker. The monopulse tracker can be configured to estimate a position of an object based on tracking information received from more than one monopulse antenna system therefore increasing the accuracy of the estimated position. The multiple monopulse antenna systems can be arranged in a low-profile housing to facilitate use of the monopulse tracker on aircraft.