Feed Re-pointing for Multi-beam Reflector Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-beam antennas face challenges in achieving desired coverage locations due to either excessive feed separation, which prevents mechanical packaging on satellite platforms, or overly close feed locations, leading to interference, necessitating additional antennas or inefficient beam production.

Innovation Solution

A feed re-pointing technique for multiple shaped beams reflector antennas, allowing for the adjustment of feed locations using a non-parabolic reflector, enabling beam shifting and re-pointing to achieve desired coverage areas while maintaining practical feed placement, thereby reducing the number of antennas needed and preventing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If feed separation is increased to achieve desired coverage locations, then beam coverage is improved, but mechanical packaging becomes impossible due to insufficient space on satellite platform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam coverageVSAvoidfeed separation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable feed mechanism that can dynamically reposition feeds between different locations. This allows the system to achieve multiple coverage patterns with a single physical antenna structure, eliminating the need for permanently separated feeds while maintaining versatile beam coverage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single feed location. By implementing feed re-pointing capabilities, the same physical feed can serve multiple coverage areas at different time periods, making the system universal and eliminating the need for multiple separately positioned feeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If feed separation is decreased to fit mechanical packaging constraints, then packaging efficiency is improved, but feed interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed packaging spaceVSAvoidfeed interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic feed re-pointing to temporarily separate feeds in the angular domain even when physically close. By controlling the timing and direction of feed re-pointing, the system maintains close physical packaging while minimizing interference through temporal and spatial separation of beam patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the feeds, specifically the re-pointing speed and angular positions, to optimize the balance between physical proximity and interference reduction. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves compact packaging while maintaining acceptable interference levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional antennas are added to produce extra beams, then beam coverage capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam production capabilityVSAvoidnumber of antennas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna system that can produce multiple beams through feed re-pointing technology. This universal approach allows one antenna to replace multiple antennas, maintaining beam coverage capability while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of multiple potential antennas into a single antenna with re-pointing capability. By combining what would have been separate antenna elements into one unified system with movable feeds, the patent achieves the same operational capability with reduced component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This technique allows for flexible placement of feeds on satellite platforms, reducing mechanical interference and the need for additional antennas, while enabling the production of multiple beams that can be precisely directed to required coverage areas, enhancing packaging efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

reflected EM energy that is reflected from the non-parabolic reflector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3035444B1Feed re-pointing technique for multiple shaped beams reflector antennas

Publication Date: 2019.12.04 THE BOEING CO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus for re-pointing at least one beam are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves receiving and/or transmitting, with at least one feed, electromagnetic (EM) energy towards a non-parabolic reflector. In at least one embodiment, reflected EM energy that is reflected from the non-parabolic reflector originates from and/or generates at least one beam. The method further involves rotating, at least one feed, from at least one first angular position to at least one second angular position, such that at least one beam shifts from at least one first coverage location to at least one second coverage location.