Dual Offset Gregorian Antenna Inclination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems face challenges in reducing size while maintaining performance to comply with satellite communications regulations, particularly due to increased proximity of geostationary satellites, leading to interference issues and higher operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A dual offset noncircular antenna system (DONCA) with a motion sensing and control system that maintains an inclination of 45 degrees relative to the target, reducing sidelobes and allowing for a smaller antenna and radome size, while adhering to satellite communications regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced to lower cost and increase mobility, then sidelobe suppression and regulatory compliance become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by maintaining the antenna inclination within a specific range (30-60 degrees) rather than using a fixed orientation. This parameter control allows the antenna to suppress sidelobes effectively while using a smaller antenna size, resolving the contradiction between reduced antenna volume and harmful sidelobe interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the antenna inclination angle based on operational conditions rather than maintaining a static orientation. This dynamic adjustment allows the antenna to adaptively suppress sidelobes across different operating scenarios, enabling smaller antenna sizes without compromising interference suppression performance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If antenna inclination is maintained within 30-60 degrees to suppress sidelobes, then antenna pointing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inclination control mechanism universal by designing it to work across multiple satellite positions and operational modes. The motion sensing system and control system can adjust the inclination angle dynamically, allowing the same mechanism to serve both sidelobe suppression and satellite tracking functions, thereby maintaining versatility while achieving suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed inclination to dynamic adjustable inclination, enabling the antenna to adapt its orientation based on real-time motion sensing data. This dynamic capability allows the antenna to maintain optimal inclination for sidelobe suppression while simultaneously tracking moving satellites, preserving pointing flexibility.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If motion sensing and control systems are added to maintain antenna inclination, then system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service principles by using the mobile platform's existing motion sensing capabilities (such as inertial measurement units already present for navigation) to provide inclination data. The control system processes this readily available data to adjust antenna orientation, eliminating the need for separate complex sensing systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system that acts as an intermediary between the motion sensing system and the pedestal system. This intermediary processes motion data and generates appropriate control commands, simplifying the overall architecture by providing a single point of coordination rather than direct complex coupling between sensors and actuators.
Data Source
AI summary
An effective marine stabilized antenna system, in terms of antenna to radome size and antenna/RF performance complies with all relevant worldwide SatCom regulations. The combination of a dual offset Gregorian antenna (DOGA) with a stabilized polarization over elevation over tilt over azimuth pedestal, and a control/stabilization algorithm, ensures antenna orientation restrictions guarantee compliance with side-lobe intensity regulations. Operating a dual offset Gregorian antenna substantially within a pre-determined antenna cut range of a 45 degree angle relative to a configuration of the antenna and a relative position of a target provides antenna performance that complies with applicable SatCom regulations, despite having to flip the antenna 90 degrees to continue tracking the satellite.