Concentric Multibeam Antenna for Precision Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems struggle to simultaneously emit electromagnetic beams with varying apertures from a single point with high precision, which is essential for precise guidance systems like autonomous helicopter landing, where deviation measurements require accurate radio frequency signals with small and increasing apertures.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system comprising an array of individual radiating elements and a control module that distributes power supply signals to predefined zones, allowing each zone to emit beams with specific apertures centered around a common axis, enabling simultaneous emission of beams with adjustable apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna emits electromagnetic beams with varying apertures, then beam emission versatility is improved, but beam precision and focus deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independently controllable radiating zones (first zone, second zone, third zone, etc.), each capable of generating beams with different aperture characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to emit multiple beams with varying apertures simultaneously while maintaining the precision required for deviation measurements at different heights.
Solution Approach 2:
Each radiating zone is assigned specific local characteristics with different aperture settings optimized for particular height ranges. The first zone uses a small aperture for precise low-height measurements, while outer zones use progressively larger apertures for higher altitude guidance, ensuring optimal beam precision at each local operational level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beams with different apertures are emitted simultaneously, then guidance coverage range is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple radiating zones that can be independently controlled, allowing simultaneous emission of beams with different apertures for comprehensive coverage from low to high altitudes without requiring multiple separate antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A single antenna system performs multiple functions by generating several beams with different aperture characteristics simultaneously, covering the entire vertical guidance range from near-field precision (small aperture) to far-field coverage (large aperture) without needing separate specialized antennas for each height range.
3Measurement precision
If a small aperture is used for precise deviation measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but emission coverage area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system segments the radiation pattern into multiple zones, with inner zones producing narrow, high-precision beams for deviation measurement and outer zones producing wide coverage beams, allowing both precise measurement and broad coverage to coexist in the same system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system resolves the trade-off between beam width and precision by adding the vertical dimension with concentric radiating zones at different radial positions, allowing simultaneous generation of narrow central beams for precision and wider peripheral beams for coverage without compromising either function.
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 solution allows for precise and adaptable beam emission, improving guidance precision by ensuring accurate deviation measurements and efficient beam control, particularly in applications like autonomous helicopter landing.
Implementation Method 1
each zone Zi, i=1 to N, of radiating elements is adapted to specifically emit said signal, Si_alim, according to a beam emission with a respective beam aperture, Fi
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna system (100) comprising an array (120) of radiating unit elements and a control module, the antenna system (100) being characterized in that: - the control module is adapted for, given a distribution of the unit elements into N predefined zones Z1, ..., ZN, N being greater than or equal to 2, each comprising several radiating unit elements, supply each unit element of each zone Zi with a supply signal Si_alim specific to the zone and function of at least one signal Si, said N signals Si, i= 1 to N being separable according to a predefined property; - for all i =1 = N-1, the zone Zi is inscribed around the zone Zi+1 and each zone Zi, i=1 to N, of radiating elements is adapted to specifically emit said signal, Si_alim , according to a respective emission beam with a respective beam opening, Fi, said beams Fi, i= 1 to N being centered around a common axis (Z), normal to the radiating surface and passing through its center (O), each zone being symmetric with respect to said center.