Handheld Radar Orientation and Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar equipment is not feasible for small vessels due to its size, complexity, and power requirements, limiting its use in various situations where collision avoidance and navigation are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A handheld radar apparatus with a compact design, incorporating a fluxgate compass and rate gyroscope for orientation sensing, and a solid-state frequency modulated continuous wave radar, allowing for accurate object location and bearing detection without the need for large power sources or mechanical scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radar equipment is used, then collision avoidance and navigation capabilities are improved, but device size and complexity increase making it unsuitable for small vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical radar scanning systems with electronic signal processing and sensor fusion (combining fluxgate compass and rate gyroscope data). This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining radar functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld radar device integrates multiple functions including radar detection, compass orientation, gyroscope-based motion tracking, and display capabilities into a single portable unit. This multi-functionality allows small vessels to achieve collision avoidance capabilities without requiring separate specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional radar equipment is used, then navigation accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases beyond what small vessels can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulse transmission instead of continuous wave emission, where the radar transmits electromagnetic signals in periodic pulses and processes returns during intervals. This periodic action significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining measurement precision through time-gated signal processing and integration of reflected pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses self-powered operation with integrated battery supply, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system manages its own power consumption through efficient signal processing algorithms and adaptive transmission power control, enabling standalone operation on small vessels with limited power capacity.
3Reliability
If traditional radar equipment is used, then detection capability is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into modular functional components: transmit antenna, receive antenna, signal processor, fluxgate compass, rate gyroscope, and display unit. This segmentation allows for optimized component selection and miniaturization, reducing overall device weight while maintaining detection capability through coordinated operation of distributed functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key operational parameters including using lower transmission power levels, shorter pulse durations, and higher frequency bands that allow for smaller antenna dimensions. These parameter changes enable detection capability to be maintained with significantly reduced device mass, achieving portability for handheld or small-vessel installation.
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
Enables practical radar use in smaller vessels by providing a portable, power-efficient solution for collision avoidance and navigation in restricted visibility conditions, with accurate distance and bearing information displayed on a screen.
Implementation Method 1
the direction sensor comprises a fluxgate compass adapted to obtain a first measure indicative of the orientation of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
a rate gyroscope adapted to obtain a second measure indicative of the orientation of the antenna
Implementation Method 3
the radar adapted to generate an electromagnetic signal for transmission via the antenna, and adapted to receive a reflected version of the electromagnetic signal via the antenna reflected from an object
Implementation Method 4
the radar comprising a processor for generating location information indicative of the location of the object using the received reflected electromagnetic signal and the orientation of the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handheld radar apparatus. The apparatus comprises an antenna (22,23) adapted to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, a direction sensor (24, 25) that outputs an orientation signal indicative of the orientation of the antenna, and a radar (21) coupled to the antenna (22, 23), the radar (21) adapted to generate an electromagnetic signal for transmission via the antenna (22, 23), and adapted to receive a reflected version of the electromagnetic signal via the antenna (22, 23) reflected from an object. The radar (21) comprises a processor (30) for generating location information indicative of the location of the object using the received reflected electromagnetic signal and the orientation of the antenna (22,23) as indicated by the orientation signal, and a screen (4) adapted to display indicia (e.g. 43a to 43c) representing the object and its location based on the location information.