Antenna View Blockage Scanner Using Electromagnetic Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring antenna blockages are manual, time-consuming, and inaccurate, relying on optical representations rather than direct electromagnetic measurements, which are complex and prone to errors due to the need for geometrical surveys and trigonometric calculations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a transmitter horn to send a test signal and an installed antenna to receive reflections, aligning the transmitting and receiving directions for directional scanning of azimuth and elevation points, allowing for the identification of blockages by comparing signal reflections to a reference level, and generating maps of received power to determine obstruction zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual optical survey methods are used to measure antenna blockages, then the measurement process is simple to perform, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual optical survey methods with an automated electromagnetic measurement system. A transmitter horn emits test signals that reflect off blockages, and a receiver antenna detects these reflections. The system uses electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical/optical surveying to automatically identify and locate blockages, significantly improving measurement precision while eliminating manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transmitter horn and receiver antenna as intermediary devices to indirectly detect blockages. Instead of directly observing or measuring blockages, the system uses electromagnetic wave reflections as an intermediary mechanism to detect the presence, location, and characteristics of blockages, enabling precise automated measurement.
2Productivity
If manual surveys with geometrical calculations are used, then the equipment requirements are minimal, but the time consumption and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning of the antenna environment by systematically varying the azimuth and elevation angles of the transmitter horn and receiver antenna. The system performs repeated measurements at different angular positions to map out blockage zones, enabling comprehensive and rapid characterization of the antenna environment without manual intervention at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by having the antenna system scan a clear sky environment before actual blockage measurement. This preliminary action establishes baseline characteristics and calibrates the measurement system, reducing the time required for actual blockage detection and improving overall measurement efficiency.
3Reliability
If optical representations are used to identify blockages, then the measurement process is straightforward, but the reliability and accuracy of identifying electromagnetic obstructions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical representation methods with direct electromagnetic measurement. By using a transmitter horn to emit test signals and a receiver antenna to detect reflections, the system directly measures electromagnetic obstructions rather than relying on optical analogies or representations, significantly improving the reliability of blockage identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by analyzing the reflected test signals received from different directions. The system compares the strength and characteristics of reflected signals against expected patterns to reliably identify blockages, using the reflected electromagnetic energy as feedback to confirm the presence and location of obstructions.
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 provides accurate and reliable measurements of antenna blockage zones, eliminating the need for manual surveys and improving the precision of identifying electromagnetic obstructions, especially in environments with metal structures like ships, by directly measuring electromagnetic obstructions rather than relying on optical representations.
Implementation Method 1
an installed antenna configured for receiving a reflection of the test signal from a receiving direction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring blockage facilitates automated measuring using an installed antenna as a measuring device, providing more accurate and reliable results as compared to conventional methods of measuring blockage. The system eliminates the need for meticulous and tedious manual measurements as well as the time consuming search for structural drawings, necessary to perform conventional blockage measuring. The system features an efficient and accurate way of establishing the angular direction points in which an antenna view is obstructed by recording the obstruction reflections standing out of the clear sky noise floor. Embodiments are particularly useful when installing a satellite communications antenna on a ship having metal structures obstructing the antenna's view such as communication masts, funnels, and smokestacks.