Antenna Alignment Using Laser Reflection for Microwave Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning tower-mounted antennas in microwave communications networks are often inaccurate, leading to initial misalignment by several degrees, which can result in the target antenna being positioned in a null or side lobe of the antenna pattern, requiring cumbersome and hazardous physical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The use of a ground-based alignment device with a laser and reflector system that allows for precise antenna alignment by reflecting a laser beam from a circumferential reflector attached to the antenna, enabling adjustments within one-half of a degree, thus avoiding the need for cumbersome equipment on the tower and reducing magnetic field interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual aiming at ground-based reference is used for initial antenna alignment, then the alignment process can be performed before network radios are installed, but the alignment accuracy is poor with misalignment of several degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual aiming system with an optical laser-based alignment system. A laser beam is projected from the transmitting antenna tower to the receiving antenna tower, providing a precise optical reference that eliminates the need for visual estimation at ground level. This substitution of mechanical aiming with optical measurement directly resolves the contradiction by achieving high accuracy without requiring complex radio equipment installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the transmitting and receiving antennas. The laser provides a visible, precise path reference that mediates the alignment process, allowing technicians to accurately align antennas without direct physical contact or complex measurement equipment on the towers. This intermediary optical reference resolves the accuracy-complexity contradiction.
2Reliability
If physical adjustment of antennas on towers is performed to correct misalignment, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes hazardous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment using the laser optical reference system before any physical antenna adjustments are made. By establishing an accurate optical baseline first, the system enables ground-based measurements and calculations that determine the precise adjustments needed. This preliminary optical alignment reduces or eliminates the need for hazardous tower climbs and time-consuming trial-and-error physical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes hazardous mechanical adjustment work on towers with optical measurement and ground-based calculation. The laser system provides precise measurement capabilities that allow alignment parameters to be determined from the ground, replacing the need for technicians to physically climb towers and manually adjust antennas in hazardous conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ground-based alignment methods are used, then safety is improved by reducing tower access, but alignment precision deteriorates due to distance and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-based mechanical measurement methods with an optical laser system. The laser beam maintains high precision over long distances by providing a focused, collimated light path that is resistant to environmental disturbances. This optical substitution allows ground-based operation (improving safety) while maintaining measurement precision through the superior properties of laser light compared to mechanical or visual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ground-based visual alignment to three-dimensional optical alignment using a laser beam that creates a precise spatial reference in space. The laser provides depth and directional information that ground-based methods cannot achieve, enabling precise measurement and alignment from a distance without compromising accuracy despite environmental factors.
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 method achieves accurate antenna alignment within the main lobe of the antenna pattern, reducing man-hours in hazardous conditions and improving efficiency by using terrestrial position and Earth's magnetic field to determine the target direction, allowing for quicker final alignment and minimizing the need for tower installation.
Implementation Method 1
Aiming of antenna 20a is accomplished indirectly by using alignment device 30, which sends a laser beam to reflector 25, and receives the reflected beam when the position of antenna 20a provides a desired reflection path.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for aligning an antenna to a desired heading. A laser beam is generated and aimed in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading. The line of sight of the laser is translated along the desired heading until the laser is directed to a reflective surface on the antenna's axis of transmission. The antenna is then positioned until the laser beam returns to a detector whose horizontal line of sight is the same as that of the laser, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading.