Antenna Pointing Controller Calibration Using Keyed IMU Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna calibration procedures for mobile platforms like aircraft are complex, time-consuming, and costly, especially when performed on large vehicles, requiring access to a communication partner and involving complex alignment procedures that can be impractical and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a first inertial measurement unit on a craft and a second inertial measurement unit mounted with a keyed calibration unit, allowing for the determination of antenna pointing controller calibration parameters without the need for immediate access to the antenna or a communication partner, enabling precise alignment and operation indoors, and minimizing the need for relocating critical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser-based alignment and pointing calibration procedures are used, then antenna alignment precision can be achieved, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional laser-based optical alignment systems with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) based calibration system. The IMU measures gravitational and inertial forces to determine antenna orientation, eliminating the need for complex laser alignment equipment and procedures. This substitution reduces calibration time while maintaining precision through the IMU's ability to accurately measure orientation angles.
2Measurement precision
If slow rotation of the mobile platform is used for calibration, then alignment can be performed, but the process becomes impractical and expensive for large aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation of the mobile platform with an IMU-based measurement system. Instead of physically rotating large aircraft to perform alignment, the IMU mounted on the aircraft measures orientation changes during normal flight maneuvers. This eliminates the need for specialized calibration facilities and makes the process feasible for large aircraft that cannot be easily rotated on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration during routine flight operations rather than requiring separate ground-based calibration procedures. By collecting IMU data during normal flight and processing it to determine antenna orientation parameters, the system accomplishes calibration as a byproduct of operational flights, eliminating the need for preliminary ground calibration activities.
3Measurement precision
If access to a live communication partner is required for calibration, then antenna pointing can be calibrated, but the process requires outdoor conditions and specific weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces signal-based calibration methods requiring communication with external partners with an IMU-based inertial measurement system. The IMU uses gravitational and inertial forces to determine antenna orientation independently of external signals, allowing calibration to be performed indoors or in any weather condition without requiring line-of-sight to satellites or other communication partners.
4Measurement precision
If the target antenna is installed in operational mode for calibration, then accurate calibration can be performed, but cost and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the operational antenna system by using a separate IMU-mounted calibration unit. This calibration unit can be temporarily attached to the aircraft without the need to install the full operational antenna system. The IMU provides sufficient measurement capability for calibration purposes, and the results can be applied to the operational antenna when installed, eliminating the need for complex operational equipment during calibration.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of antenna calibration by allowing precise antenna alignment and operation with high precision (within 0.1 degrees) without the need for extensive outdoor procedures or relocation of aircraft components, enabling efficient and effective calibration for mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
A first inertial measurement unit may be mounted to a craft... A calibration unit incorporating a second inertial measurement unit may be mounted to the craft
Data Source
AI summary
A craft (e.g., an aircraft, a spacecraft, a watercraft, a vehicle such as an automotive vehicle or a rail vehicle, or any suitable mobile platform) may incorporate a first inertial measurement unit. A calibration unit incorporating a second inertial measurement unit may be mounted to the craft with a mount point. One or more first inertial measurements may be received from the first inertial measurement unit and the second inertial measurement unit. One or more antenna pointing controller calibration parameters may be determined based at least in part on the first inertial measurement(s) and the second inertial measurement(s). An antenna pointing controller may be configured with the determined calibration parameters and may control a steerable antenna subsystem mounted with the mount point utilizing the determined calibration parameters. The mount point may be keyed such that inertial measurements with the mounted calibration unit are applicable to the mounted steerable antenna subsystem.