Eccentric Tilt Antenna Positioner for Overhead Pass Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna positioning systems struggle to maintain communication links with target devices during overhead passes due to high azimuth rates and elevation angles, leading to communication outages and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
An antenna positioning system incorporating an eccentric tilt position mechanism with a base structure and an intermediate structure rotatably coupled about a first axis, featuring an actuator that adjusts the angle between the structures based on a predicted path of the target device, using a rotating element with an eccentric element offset from the axis to manage angular positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna positioning system uses a conventional elevation-over-azimuth configuration to track target devices, then it can provide a relatively large angular range for tracking, but it cannot support high azimuth rates during overhead passes, leading to communication link loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic tilt angle adjustment mechanism that changes the elevation axis orientation based on target position. The tilt angle is adjusted dynamically during tracking, allowing the system to adapt to overhead passes by reducing the required azimuth rate while maintaining tracking capability across a large angular range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a tilt degree of freedom to the conventional two-axis elevation-over-azimuth configuration. This creates a three-dimensional adjustment capability where the elevation axis itself can be tilted, effectively adding another dimension to the positioning space and enabling the system to handle overhead passes without requiring infinite azimuth rates
2Reliability
If an antenna positioning system increases the azimuth rate to support overhead passes, then it can maintain communication links during target passes, but the mechanical system becomes more complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing azimuth rate to maintain links, the system dynamically adjusts the tilt angle to redistribute the tracking burden. This dynamic reconfiguration maintains communication reliability during overhead passes while avoiding the need for excessively high azimuth rates that would complicate the mechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing variable tilt angles throughout the tracking sequence. This parameter change allows the same mechanical system to achieve reliable overhead pass tracking without requiring higher speed capabilities, thereby avoiding increased complexity
3Device complexity
If an antenna positioning system uses a standard two-axis configuration, then the structure remains simple, but it experiences operational limitations during overhead passes with infinite azimuth rate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable tilt mechanism that transforms a static two-axis structure into a effectively three-degree-of-freedom system. The tilt angle varies during operation, providing enhanced tracking capability for overhead passes while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure when not in overhead tracking mode
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 system effectively maintains communication links by reducing operational demands and improving the ability to track target devices, minimizing backlash and operational complexity, and enhancing pointing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include a rotating element configured to rotate about a second axis (e.g., different from the first axis, non-coincident with the first axis, non-concentric with the first axis) and an eccentric element that is coupled with the rotating element and the intermediate structure. The eccentric element may be mounted to or otherwise connected to the rotating element at a position offset from the second axis by an eccentricity distance or offset.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for antenna positioning with an eccentric tilt pointing mechanism. For example, a system in accordance with the present disclosure may include a base structure and an intermediate structure that is rotatably coupled with the base structure about a first axis (e.g., a tilt axis). The system may also include a positioning system that is coupled with the intermediate structure and configured to orient an antenna boresight about at least two angular degrees of freedom with respect to the intermediate structure (e.g., in an elevation-over-azimuth configuration). The system may also include an actuator between the base structure and the intermediate structure that is configured to set, change, or maintain an angle between the base structure and the intermediate structure, which, in some examples, may include a rotation of an eccentric element based on a predicted path of a target device.