Antenna Beamwidth Adjustment for Wireless Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In point-to-point wireless networks, particularly at high frequencies like the e-band, aligning antennas over long distances is challenging due to weather conditions and obstructions, which affect signal gain and visibility, making it difficult to achieve optimal signal characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The method involves temporarily broadening the beamwidth of antennas using energy-absorbing materials to facilitate initial alignment, then narrowing it to achieve maximum gain by repositioning the antennas based on detected signal gains, using a meter to determine optimal positions and adjust the energy-absorbing material application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antennas are aligned over long distances with narrow beamwidth for maximum gain, then signal gain is improved, but alignment difficulty increases due to reduced visibility and sensitivity to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beamwidth adjustable rather than fixed. The system transitions from a static narrow beamwidth configuration to a dynamic system where beamwidth can be widened during alignment and then narrowed for final operation. This is achieved through mechanical adjustment mechanisms that allow the antenna elements to be repositioned, changing the effective aperture and thus the beamwidth characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beamwidth parameter from its initial narrow state to a wider state during the alignment phase, and then reverses this change for the operational phase. This parameter transformation allows the system to overcome the alignment difficulty by temporarily accepting reduced gain in exchange for improved positioning tolerance and visibility.
2Ease of operation
If energy-absorbing material is added to broaden beamwidth for easier alignment, then alignment ease is improved, but signal gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first configuring the antenna system with broadened beamwidth (using energy-absorbing material or adjusted element positioning) to facilitate the alignment process. Once alignment is achieved, the system then removes the energy-absorbing material or repositions elements to narrow the beamwidth and maximize signal gain. This sequential approach ensures that alignment is completed under favorable conditions before optimizing for performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration with fixed beamwidth to a dynamic configuration where beamwidth can be adjusted. During alignment, the beamwidth is widened to improve ease of operation, and after alignment, it is narrowed to maximize signal gain. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different operational requirements at different stages.
3Measurement precision
If optical alignment tools are used to improve alignment precision, then alignment precision is improved, but effectiveness is reduced by pollution and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the antenna's own radiated signal as an intermediary for alignment, replacing external optical tools that are susceptible to environmental interference. By using the electromagnetic signal itself as the alignment reference, the system eliminates the need for line-of-sight optical paths that can be blocked by pollution, fog, smoke, or physical obstructions. The signal-based alignment method works independently of visual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical alignment systems with an electromagnetic field-based alignment system. Instead of using optical tools that require physical line-of-sight, the system uses the radio frequency signal to provide alignment feedback. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to environmental conditions that affect optical transmission while maintaining alignment precision through signal strength and quality measurements.
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 approach significantly speeds up antenna alignment, enhances signal gain, and maintains reliability in poor weather conditions by iteratively adjusting the beamwidth to achieve desired signal characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
temporarily broadening the beamwidth of antennas using energy-absorbing materials
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method comprises positioning a first antenna to receive a first signal from a second antenna, the second antenna comprising energy absorbing material that functions to expand beamwidth, receiving the first signal from the second antenna, detecting a plurality of gains based on the first signal, repositioning the first antenna relative to the second antenna to a position associated with an acceptable gain based on the first signal, removing at least some of the energy absorbing material from the second antenna to narrow the beamwidth of the second antenna, receiving, by the first antenna, a second signal from the second antenna, detecting a plurality of gains based on the second signal, and repositioning the first antenna relative to the second antenna to a position associated with an increased gain of the plurality of gains based on the second signal, the increased gain being greater than the acceptable gain.