Antenna Adjusting Apparatus Using Sensor-Based Attitude Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting an antenna for communication with a geostationary satellite is challenging, especially for portable antennas, as it requires precise alignment of the directional axis, which is difficult for inexperienced users to achieve without observing signal strength, especially when the installation location is not horizontal.
Innovation Solution
An antenna adjusting apparatus equipped with sensors such as acceleration, geomagnetic, and GPS receivers to determine the antenna's attitude in three-dimensional space, allowing for vector-based orientation adjustments around multiple axes, enabling precise alignment without requiring signal strength observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If angle adjustment is performed based on preset azimuth and elevation values, then the antenna can be installed quickly, but alignment precision deteriorates when the installation location is not horizontal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual angle measurement and mechanical alignment methods with electronic sensors (acceleration sensor, geomagnetic sensor) and computational processing. The system automatically calculates correction angles based on sensor data, substituting the mechanical alignment process with an electronic measurement and computation system that works independently of installation horizontalness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna adjusting apparatus performs self-alignment by using its own sensors to detect its current attitude and automatically calculate the required correction angles. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the optimal orientation without requiring external reference tools or manual measurement, thereby maintaining high alignment precision regardless of installation conditions.
2Measurement precision
If manual fine adjustment is performed by observing signal strength, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual trial-and-adjustment method based on signal strength observation with an automatic sensor-based measurement system. The acceleration sensor and geomagnetic sensor directly measure the antenna's attitude angles, and the control unit automatically calculates correction values, eliminating the need for users to manually observe signal strength and interpret results.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the adjustment mechanism. It processes sensor data, calculates the optimal correction angles, and provides clear guidance to the user, thereby bridging the gap between complex sensor measurements and simple user actions. This intermediary processing makes the system easy to operate while maintaining high precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna structure includes multiple rotational axes for adjustment, then adaptability to different installation conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal adjustment mechanism where the two rotational axes (azimuth and elevation) serve multiple functions. The same axes that provide structural adaptability also serve as the measurement basis for the sensor system, and the correction mechanism uses the same axes for both manual and automatic adjustment modes, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-axis capability.
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
Facilitates easy and precise angle adjustment of antennas, ensuring optimal alignment with geostationary satellites, maintaining communication even in non-stationary environments like vehicles, by calculating and applying correction angles based on sensor data.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module 10 which is configured to acquire information on an attitude of the antenna 102
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be any kind of sensor including an acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a gyroscope
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna adjusting apparatus comprises a sensor that acquires attitude information; a movable axis acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of vectors corresponding to the plurality of axes respectively by acquiring a change in output of the sensor for each of the axes; a first direction acquiring unit that acquires a first direction corresponding to a directional axis of the antenna; a second direction acquiring unit that acquires a second direction, which is a direction with which the directional axis of the antenna is to be aligned; and a calculating unit that calculates, for each of the axes, a correction angle, using the plurality of vectors, wherein the first direction and the second direction are expressed by an Earth-based coordinate system.