Dual-Mode Phased Array Antenna for Stockpile 3D Volume Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for volumetric measurements of stockpiles, especially for non-flat surfaces, are inadequate due to limitations in accuracy, range, angular resolution, and cost-effectiveness, leading to errors in custody transfer and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost phased array antenna apparatus with beam steering capabilities, operating in a hybrid dual mode with MIMO radar and active beamforming, is used to scan and map the surface of material stockpiles, providing direct 3D volumetric measurements even on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional level sensors are used for volumetric measurements, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for non-flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical level sensors with a phased array antenna system that uses electromagnetic waves to perform volumetric measurements. This substitution enables non-contact measurement of non-flat surfaces while maintaining relatively simple device operation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array antenna system performs multiple functions including 3D mapping, volumetric measurement, and surface profiling using a single integrated device. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision for various surface types while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If LiDAR technology is used for 3D mapping, then the measurement precision improves, but the device becomes vulnerable in dusty environments and towards flammable substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range instead of laser light. This parameter change makes the measurement system immune to dust interference and eliminates flammability concerns, while maintaining high measurement precision through the phased array antenna's ability to resolve surface geometry.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution volumetric sensing is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple discrete elements arranged in a phased array configuration. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-resolution volumetric sensing through coherent signal processing of individual element responses, rather than requiring a single complex high-cost sensor, thereby reducing overall device cost while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array system creates multiple virtual copies of the measurement function through signal processing, where each antenna element contributes to the overall 3D reconstruction. This approach achieves high-resolution sensing by combining information from multiple simpler, lower-cost elements rather than using one expensive high-resolution sensor.
4Area of stationary object
If beam steering is used to scan large areas, then the field of view increases, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic beam steering to systematically scan the field of view by sequentially directing the antenna beam across different angular positions. This periodic scanning approach covers large areas while maintaining efficient measurement times through optimized scan patterns and rapid beam switching enabled by the phased array architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering where the antenna beam can be rapidly repositioned electronically without mechanical movement. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt the scanning pattern in real-time, covering large fields of view while minimizing measurement time by focusing resources on regions of interest and skipping already-measured areas.
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 achieves high-resolution, accurate, and cost-effective 3D volumetric sensing, enabling precise custody transfer and inventory management, while being suitable for harsh environments and non-contact measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A low-cost phased array antenna apparatus with beam steering capabilities, operating in a hybrid dual mode with MIMO radar and active beamforming
Implementation Method 2
operating in a hybrid dual mode with MIMO radar and active beamforming
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus and a method of operating the antenna apparatus can include a group of receive antenna elements and a transmit antenna array comprising transmit antenna elements, wherein the transmit antenna array is located centrally in a phased array aperture that includes the transmit array antenna and the plurality of receive antenna elements. An isolation area can isolate the transmit antenna array from the receive antenna elements in the phased array aperture, and the phased array aperture can operate with a hybrid dual mode comprising a radar mode and an active beaming steering mode. The radar mode can be a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) radar mode, and the beamforming mode can be an antenna beamforming mode.