Distributed Monopulse Radar Array for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive monopulse radar systems are not cost-effective for collision avoidance on large platforms like airplanes due to high costs, complexity, and interference issues when trying to cover all angles simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A distributed non-coherent monopulse radar array with simple, inexpensive antenna segments and a central control system, providing a wide field of view without the need for complex calibration or phase shifters, using different frequencies to avoid interference between adjacent antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If phased arrays are used to provide wide field of view coverage, then detection coverage is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple independent monopulse antenna segments distributed across the platform. Each segment operates autonomously with its own transmitter and receiver, covering a specific angular sector. This segmentation allows wide field of view coverage without requiring complex phased array beam steering mechanisms, as each segment independently monitors its designated sector.
2Reliability
If phased arrays with beam pointing are used, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases due to phase shifters and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The complex beam pointing control circuitry and phase shifters are extracted from the system. Instead of using phased arrays with electronic beam steering, the invention employs fixed monopulse antenna segments that directly monitor specific angular sectors. This extraction of complex control mechanisms significantly reduces cost while maintaining reliable detection capability through the distributed segmentation approach.
3Measurement precision
If coherent monopulse arrays are used, then detection precision is improved, but calibration complexity and interference issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each monopulse antenna segment operates independently with localized transmission and reception functions. The segments are configured to monitor specific angular sectors with appropriate frequency assignments, creating local quality variations that prevent interference while maintaining detection precision. This localized operation eliminates the need for complex coherent calibration across the entire array.
4Device complexity
If adjacent monopulse antennas use the same frequency, then system simplicity is maintained, but interference between array elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency parameter is varied across adjacent monopulse antenna segments to eliminate interference. Each segment is assigned a different frequency or frequency range, allowing simultaneous operation without mutual interference. This parameter change approach maintains system simplicity by avoiding complex spatial filtering or timing synchronization mechanisms.
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 enables cost-effective collision detection for large platforms by reducing interference and calibration requirements, providing reliable and timely collision alerts, both on the ground and in the air, with a wide field of view coverage.
Implementation Method 1
A radar system uses electromagnetic radiation to determine the distance and/or location of an object with respect to the radar system. Typically, a radar system transmits pulses of electromagnetic radiation that are reflected off of objects in the path of the electromagnetic radiation.
Implementation Method 2
A radar system uses electromagnetic radiation to determine the distance and/or location of an object with respect to the radar system. Typically, a radar system transmits pulses of electromagnetic radiation that are reflected off of objects in the path of the electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A collision avoidance system includes a monopulse radar antenna array of monopulse radar antenna segments mounted to a vehicle with respective fixed fields of view. Each monopulse radar antenna segment comprises a comparator network configured to form a sum signal representing a summation of return signals and a first difference signal representing a first difference of the return signals. The system further includes a user interface configured to present information in a form perceptible to a person operating the vehicle and a radar antenna array controller configured to calculate a range of the object and a first (azimuth) angle of arrival of the return signal from the object. The comparator network is further configured to form a second difference signal which the radar antenna array controller uses to calculate a second (elevation) angle of arrival.