Bistatic Radar 3D Localization via Segmented Antenna Planes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar systems for detecting diverse short-range threats are cumbersome, costly, and complex, requiring multiple systems for varied threats, and lack a single solution for extended range and 3D localization, especially when threats evolve in size or detection distance.

Innovation Solution

A bistatic radar system with a separate transmission and reception device, utilizing a colored transmission method and omnidirectional sensors arranged in perpendicular planes, allowing for 3D object detection and localization with reduced weight, cost, and complexity by raising the reception device and using optical fiber links to minimize interference and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If transmission power and antenna size are increased to extend detection range, then detection range is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system is divided into two separate devices: a transmission device and a reception device. The transmission device can be positioned at ground level while the reception device is elevated independently, allowing range extension without proportionally increasing the complexity of the entire system. Each device can be optimized and scaled independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing antenna size in the horizontal plane, the solution elevates the reception device to a higher vertical dimension. This spatial reconfiguration extends detection range by overcoming ground clutter and interference without requiring larger antennas or higher transmission power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If radar is installed on a high point or tall mast to improve visibility and range, then detection range is improved, but structural weight and deployment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidstructural weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system separates transmission and reception functions into different devices located at different heights. The lightweight reception device can be elevated using simpler support structures, while the heavier transmission device remains at ground level, reducing overall structural weight requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Optical fiber cables serve as intermediaries to connect the separated transmission and reception devices, enabling signal transmission over the distance between ground level and elevated positions without requiring heavy mechanical support structures for the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If airborne device is used to elevate radar, then detection range is improved, but payload capacity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidpayload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Only the reception device, which is lighter and has lower power requirements, is placed on the airborne platform. The heavier transmission device remains on the ground, significantly reducing the payload capacity requirements for the airborne platform while maintaining extended detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial elevation of only the reception device rather than elevating the entire radar system. This partial action achieves the benefit of extended range through improved visibility while avoiding the excessive payload and energy consumption that would result from elevating the complete system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heterogeneous radar systems are deployed to detect varied threats, then detection capability is improved, but logistical footprint and implementation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separated reception device can be configured to detect multiple types of threats (aerial, terrestrial, maritime) without requiring multiple different radar systems. The universal reception platform can process signals from various transmission devices, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient detection and 3D localization of various threats with improved range and reduced logistical and deployment complexities, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design, significantly reducing interference fringes and enhancing detection precision.

Implementation Method 1

a reception device comprising at least two sensors arranged in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Radar

Implementation Method 2

using optical fiber links to minimize interference and weight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS20220252711A1Long-range object detection system
Publication Date: 2022.08.11 THALES SA
  • US20220252711A1 patent drawing
  • US20220252711A1 patent drawing
  • US20220252711A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-dimensional object detection system includes a transmission device configured so as to transmit signals using a colored transmission method in a first plane, a reception device comprising at least two sensors arranged in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and processing means for processing the transmitted and received signals, wherein the reception device is raised with respect to the transmission device, and wherein the processing means are configured so as to detect the presence of objects: in the first plane based on the signals received from at least one of the sensors using the color of the transmitted signal, in the second plane based on the signals received from at least two of the sensors. The method for determining the presence of objects and for estimating their associated direction and distance is also provided.