Directional Antenna Orientation Using Position Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional antennas face challenges in maintaining high bandwidth wireless connections over long distances, especially when one or both antennas are moving, as they require precise orientation to remain within the main lobe for effective signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

The system dynamically orients directional antennas using position information transmitted via omnidirectional antennas, allowing for periodic adjustments to maintain a high bandwidth connection by ensuring the antennas remain within the main lobe, even when one or both are moving, through a combination of mechanical and electronic steering mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If directional antennas are used to transmit over long distances, then coverage distance is improved, but coverage angle (beamwidth) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage distanceVSAvoidcoverage angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic orientation adjustment of directional antennas through mechanical steering mechanisms and electronic beam steering. The system continuously tracks and adjusts antenna orientation to maintain optimal alignment between transmitting and receiving antennas as they move, thereby preserving long-distance coverage while adapting to changing spatial relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where signal strength measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust antenna orientation. Operators or automated systems measure signal strength between antennas and adjust orientation to maximize signal strength, ensuring the receiving antenna remains within the main lobe of the transmitting antenna despite movement or positional changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If antennas are mounted at fixed locations and oriented manually, then initial connection establishment is simplified, but adaptability to movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial connection establishmentVSAvoidadaptability to movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static manual orientation to dynamic automated orientation control. Mechanical steering mechanisms and electronic beam steering enable real-time adjustment of antenna orientation in response to movement, allowing the system to maintain optimal alignment automatically without requiring continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated tracking and orientation control. The antennas autonomously monitor signal strength and adjust their orientation to maintain optimal connection, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention and enabling the system to adapt to movement independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If high gain directional antennas are used, then signal strength over distance is improved, but precision in orientation requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidorientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where signal strength is monitored and used to adjust antenna orientation. This feedback mechanism compensates for the narrow beamwidth of high-gain antennas by automatically fine-tuning orientation to maintain optimal alignment, thereby preserving signal strength without requiring manual precision in initial setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs electronic beam steering and electronic orientation adjustment to supplement or replace mechanical positioning. Electronic control systems can make precise, rapid adjustments to antenna orientation with fine resolution, enabling the system to maintain optimal alignment with high-gain antennas without relying solely on mechanical precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10771939B1Orientation of directional antennas using horizontal position information

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for enabling orientation of directional antennas even when one or more of the directional antennas are moving. Position information for each directional antenna is transmitted using an omnidirectional antenna transmitting at a low bandwidth and a low power. The position information of the directional antennas is used to orient the directional antennas so that a high bandwidth, low power wireless connection can be enabled and/or maintained between the directional antennas. The position information is periodically transmitted and the orientation of the directional antennas is updated as one or more of the directional antennas move so that the wireless connection between the directional antennas is maintained.