Directive Antenna Sensor Module for Infrastructure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly directive antennas in communication systems require precise alignment with stable infrastructure to maintain high antenna gain, but existing installations on unstable infrastructure like trees or lampposts can become unstable due to environmental factors, leading to performance degradation and difficulty in distinguishing between normal signal fluctuations and instability-induced issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor module in the communication device to measure movement relative to a reference orientation and provide data on mechanical stability, allowing operators to detect and address instability through alerts and data analysis, and potentially using advanced mechanical stabilizing means or re-deploying the device to a more stable location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly directive antennas are used to achieve high antenna gain, then communication performance is improved, but the antennas require precise alignment and stable infrastructure which becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment measurements and stability assessments before full deployment. The system conducts initial alignment procedures and stability tests to verify that the infrastructure can support the directive antenna, preventing future performance degradation and reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensor modules that continuously monitor antenna alignment and infrastructure stability. This feedback enables real-time detection of misalignment or instability, allowing the system to trigger alerts and initiate corrective actions to maintain communication performance without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If directive antennas are mounted on existing infrastructure like trees or lampposts to reduce deployment cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting stability assessments before deployment using sensor modules. The system measures mechanical stability indicators in advance to identify suitable mounting locations, ensuring that chosen infrastructure can support the antenna without requiring complex stabilization structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization systems with sensor-based detection and monitoring. Instead of using complex mechanical stabilizing means to physically counteract instability, the system uses sensors to detect movement and triggers software-based alerts and corrective actions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining performance.
3Measurement precision
If sensor modules are added to detect movement and stability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensor modules as intermediaries between the physical infrastructure and the control system. These sensors detect movement and stability parameters, converting physical phenomena into electrical signals that can be processed by the control entity, enabling precise measurement without directly complicating the antenna or infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling automated monitoring and detection of alignment and stability issues. The sensor modules and control entity work autonomously to detect problems and trigger appropriate responses, reducing the need for manual monitoring and simplifying operation despite the added measurement capabilities.
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 early detection of unstable antenna installations, allowing for timely stabilization or re-deployment, thereby maintaining reliable communication and distinguishing between normal and instability-induced signal fluctuations, thus preventing performance degradation and outages.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module configured to measure a movement of the communication device relative to a reference orientation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A communication device (100) for mounting to an infrastructure (120), the communication device being configured for communication (130) with a remote communication device (140) via a directive antenna main lobe (150), the communication device comprising a sensor module (160) configured to measure a movement of the communication device relative to a reference orientation.