Steerable Drone Antennas for Interference-Resilient Broadband Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current broadband access systems for drones face challenges in providing high data rate, low cost, and ubiquity due to interference issues and high operational costs, especially in metropolitan areas where conventional cellular networks and satellite systems are limited in capacity and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A network of cell sites with directional beam-forming capabilities and drones equipped with steerable antenna systems that use unlicensed frequency bands to optimize signal quality and minimize interference, allowing for high data rate and reliable communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cellular networks are used for drone broadband access, then coverage and infrastructure are available, but interference increases and data rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddata rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies directional beamforming at both the base station and drone ends to concentrate communication energy in specific directions. This creates localized high-quality communication channels with improved signal-to-interference ratio, enabling high data rates while maintaining reliability in the presence of conventional cellular network interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts beam directions and communication parameters based on real-time channel conditions, drone position, and interference levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying environmental conditions and interference scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If satellite systems are used for drone broadband access, then coverage is provided, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecoverageVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables terrestrial base stations to provide drone communication services that previously required expensive satellite systems. By using available terrestrial infrastructure with directional beamforming, the system creates a ground-based copy of satellite functionality, achieving similar coverage and capabilities at lower operational cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows conventional terrestrial base stations to serve dual purposes: traditional ground mobile devices and aerial drone platforms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate expensive satellite infrastructure, reducing operational costs while maintaining broad coverage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If unlicensed frequency bands are used, then operational cost decreases, but interference from other systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Directional beamforming concentrates communication energy into focused spatial channels, creating localized communication paths that are less susceptible to interference from other unlicensed band users. This spatial filtering effect maintains communication quality despite the open nature of unlicensed spectrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system turns the presence of interference into a useful signal for beam training and channel estimation. By using pilot signals and feedback mechanisms, the system identifies and adapts to interference patterns, converting the harmful interference environment into an opportunity for optimized directional communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 significantly reduces interference, enhances data throughput, and lowers operational costs by utilizing unlicensed spectrum, providing efficient and cost-effective broadband access to drones.

Implementation Method 1

a drone antenna sub-system comprising an antenna aperture configured to form a steerable directional beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam forming:

Data Source

PatentUS11916644B2Apparatus and methods to provide communications to aerial platforms

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 ENDURA IP HLDG LTD

AI summary

Apparatus, systems and methods for the provision of high data rate and high throughput communications link for drones, in a bandwidth efficient manner. One set of embodiments describe apparatus and methods to mitigate interference from other systems when using the unlicensed radio frequency bands such as the Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands. Apparatus and methods are also described to enable association of the drone radio sub-system with an “optimal” cell site, such as when the drone uses a directional antenna beam to maximize system throughput. Configurations of a mechanically steerable directional antenna aperture are also disclosed. Other embodiments describe systems and methods to mitigate excessive amounts of interference, and to provide a reliable communications link for signaling and other mission-critical messages.