Dielectric Antenna Support for Drone RF Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a reliable, practical, lightweight, rugged, and economical apparatus for mounting an antenna of specific configuration on small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) or consumer drones to measure RF signal strength around cellular phone towers without interfering with the drone's performance or complicating its landing.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight antenna support apparatus using dielectric materials, such as plastic arches or inverted U shapes, is secured to the drone's propeller guards, allowing for flexible mounting of various antennas or smartphones without adding significant weight, ensuring the drone's stability and extended flight time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large upwardly extending angled struts are used to mount the antenna on the drone, then the antenna can be securely mounted, but the drone's weight increases and flight time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna support structure is divided into multiple discrete components: a first support member extending from the first propeller guard, a second support member extending from the second propeller guard, and a crossbar connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall material usage compared to a single monolithic strut structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending support structures upward from the drone body as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by extending support members downward from the propeller guards. This inversion leverages the existing propeller guard structure as the mounting base, eliminating the need for additional upward-extending struts and reducing overall structure weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna mounting structures are used on consumer drones, then the antenna can be mounted, but the drone's center of gravity is affected and landing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support members extend downward from the propeller guards rather than upward from the drone body, inverting the conventional mounting approach. This downward extension positions the antenna below the drone's center of gravity, maintaining proper weight distribution and preventing landing difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar is positioned at a specific height above the drone body to provide adequate clearance for the antenna while maintaining the drone's center of gravity within acceptable limits. This localized positioning optimizes both antenna functionality and flight characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If consumer drones are used instead of industrial drones, then cost is reduced, but the drone lacks mounting facilities for antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna support structure utilizes the existing propeller guards, which are standard components on consumer drones, as the mounting base. This multi-functional use of existing components provides antenna mounting capability without requiring specialized industrial drone features or additional mounting facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By extending support members downward from the propeller guards rather than upward from the drone body, the invention adapts consumer drone architecture (which lacks upward mounting facilities) to accommodate antenna mounting needs effectively.
4Reliability
If the antenna support structure is made larger to ensure stability, then mounting reliability improves, but the added weight reduces flight time
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into thin, discrete support members and a crossbar rather than a single bulky structure. This segmentation provides adequate stability through distributed support while minimizing material usage and overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members and crossbar are constructed as thin structural elements that provide sufficient mechanical stability for antenna mounting while keeping the overall structure weight minimal, allowing extended flight times.
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
The solution enables accurate RF signal measurements around cell towers using consumer drones, extending flight duration by maintaining the drone's stability and allowing secure landing, while providing a flexible and efficient means to attach different types of antennas or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A lightweight antenna support apparatus using dielectric materials, such as plastic arches or inverted U shapes, is secured to the drone's propeller guards
Data Source
AI summary
A small consumer drone is used to measure RF signals, such as within the vicinity of a cell tower. The drone's frame is fitted with an antenna support device which can be in the form of two intersecting arches of dielectric material. An antenna of selected specification is secured to the antenna support. In this way, the antenna support not only provides a secure mounting for the antenna, but also provides protection from objects above the drone.