GPS Receiver Antenna Orientation via Gravity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS receiver modules face challenges in maintaining accurate location determination due to degraded signal reception caused by non-optimal antenna orientation, which can be impractical to manually adjust in various applications.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rotatable antenna frame and multiple antennas oriented in different directions, with an accelerometer-based system to automatically adjust and select the best antenna for signal reception, ensuring consistent and enhanced GPS signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of GPS antenna orientation is used, then signal reception quality can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to impracticality in many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna orientation adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes antenna orientation based on detected satellite positions and signal quality, allowing automatic adaptation to different operational conditions without manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable signal reception through automated dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the GPS receiver to automatically detect satellite signals, determine optimal antenna orientation, and adjust itself without external manual adjustment. The system uses built-in sensors and processing capabilities to autonomously optimize its own performance, eliminating the need for user intervention while maintaining high signal reception quality.
2Reliability
If fixed antenna orientation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal reception quality deteriorates when receiver position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed antenna design to a dynamic adjustable orientation system. The antenna can change its orientation automatically based on satellite positions and signal quality metrics, ensuring consistent reception quality regardless of receiver position or orientation. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining simple fixed design and achieving reliable signal reception in varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by allowing orientation angles and positions to be dynamically adjusted rather than remaining fixed. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different spatial conditions and maintain optimal signal reception, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and reception reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are used to maintain good reception, then signal reception quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple antenna elements that can be independently controlled and oriented. Each antenna segment can be optimized for specific directional reception, and the system selectively activates or adjusts individual segments based on satellite positions. This segmented approach improves signal reception quality while managing complexity through modular, independent control of each antenna element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing an antenna system that can perform multiple functions: receiving signals from satellites in different directions, automatically adjusting orientation, and adapting to various receiver positions. This universal antenna system maintains good reception quality across diverse conditions without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
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 solution ensures reliable and accurate GPS location determination by automatically orienting antennas for optimal signal reception, reducing signal degradation and maintaining performance across different positions and orientations of the GPS receiver module.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer generates an acceleration signal in response to a direction of gravity relative to an orientation of the GPS receiver module
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly for receiving the GPS signals in a global positioning system (GPS) receiver module automatically orients the antenna to better receive the GPS signals. The antenna is oriented by a positioner (e.g., a counterweight) that automatically rotates a frame on which the antenna is mounted. The GPS receiver module may also include multiple antennas oriented in different directions to maintain good reception of the GPS signals in any position. The multiple antennas are oriented in a manner so that the poor reception range an antenna is covered by other antennas. Signals from multiple antennas may be combined or chosen for processing by a GPS processor. Also, multiple GPS receiver modules may be deployed in close proximity so that wireless communication between the GPS receiver modules may be established.