Feed-Motion Antenna for Low Earth Orbit Data Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite antenna structures for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites are complex, heavy, and require specialist installation, with limited mobility and increased noise due to multiple reflectors and feeds, and lack a feed positioner for high-quality data reception.
Innovation Solution
A long-focus antenna with a fixed reflector and a moveable feed positioned by a feed positioner having a primary and auxiliary rotation axis, allowing precise movement within the focal plane, reducing weight and complexity, and enabling standalone operation without specialist visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflectors and feeds are used to track satellites, then satellite tracking capability is improved, but antenna weight and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving multiple reflectors and feeds to track satellites, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the reflector fixed and moving only the feed element. This inversion dramatically simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining satellite tracking capability through feed motion along the focal surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the motion requirement from the entire antenna structure and concentrates it solely on the feed element. By taking out the movement function from the reflector and mounting structure, the system achieves satellite tracking with minimal structural complexity and weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflectors and feeds are used to track satellites, then satellite tracking capability is improved, but antenna weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by keeping the heavy reflector stationary and making only the lightweight feed movable. This inversion reduces antenna weight while preserving satellite tracking capability through controlled feed motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion function is extracted from the heavy reflector structure and assigned to the lightweight feed alone. This extraction eliminates the need for heavy moving mounting structures, significantly reducing overall antenna weight.
3Device complexity
If a fixed reflector with moveable feed is used, then antenna structure is simplified and mobility is enhanced, but full use of the entire available antenna reflector aperture is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic motion of the feed element along the focal surface of the fixed reflector. This dynamic positioning allows the feed to access different portions of the reflector aperture, enabling full utilization of the available area while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed is positioned to move along a non-planar focal surface, utilizing three-dimensional space rather than a simple planar movement. This dimensional approach allows complete coverage of the reflector aperture area while keeping the reflector itself fixed and simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If several feeds are used for satellite tracking, then tracking capability is improved, but received signal contains increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tracking function from multiple feeds and concentrates it in a single movable feed. This eliminates the noise accumulation problem associated with multiple feeds while maintaining tracking capability through the feed's motion along the focal surface.
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 provides high-quality, high-speed data reception from low Earth orbit satellites with a lightweight, easy-to-install antenna that covers the widest possible satellite trajectory, reducing installation complexity and noise, and allowing for efficient data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a feed-motion antenna device and is designed for receiving Earth observation data streams from low Earth orbit satellites in space... Reflector antennae are the most widely used type of satellite antennae
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a feed-motion antenna device. Provided is an antenna for receiving data from low Earth orbit satellites, the antenna comprising a fixedly mounted antenna reflector, a moveable feed, a feed positioner configured to move the feed in the focal plane of the antenna reflector, the feed positioned having a primary rotation axis and an auxiliary rotation axis, and a control device configured to send control signals to the feed positioner. The primary rotation axis of the feed positioner passes through the center of the antenna reflector and the primary rotation axis is perpendicular to the focal plane of the antenna reflector; the auxiliary rotation axis of the feed positioner is parallel to the primary rotation axis. The feed positioner comprises an equal-arm structure comprising a first arm and a second arm, and each arm is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the primary and auxiliary rotation axes. The first arm is connected at one its end to the primary rotation axis and adapted to be rotated around the primary rotation axis, the feed is connected to an end of the second arm, and the first arm and the second arm are connected to each other at the auxiliary rotation axis and are adapted to be rotated with respect to each other. The diameter of the antenna reflector is at least 1.5 m, and the focal length of the antenna reflector is at least 1.0 m.Further provided is a method for receiving satellite data by means of the offered antenna.