Integral Dual Gimbal Satellite Tracking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite tracking systems face challenges in continuously tracking satellites during high elevation passes due to limitations in azimuth speed and acceleration, particularly for LEO and HAP platforms, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs with existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring two integrally connected gimbals allowing orthogonal rotational movements, powered by two low-speed motors, enabling zenith tracking without substantial mass, volume, or cost increases, and incorporating torsion springs to manage less than 360° rotational movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fastest and most expensive azimuth-elevation pedestals are used, then continuous satellite tracking capability is achieved, but mass, volume and cost substantially increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous satellite tracking capabilityVSAvoidpedestal mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the azimuth and elevation rotational movements into a single integrated pedestal structure with two orthogonally connected gimbals, eliminating the need for separate high-speed azimuth motors. This integration allows continuous satellite tracking while using only two relatively low-speed motors, substantially reducing mass, volume and cost compared to traditional azimuth-elevation pedestals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional azimuth-elevation configuration by implementing elevation over azimuth orientation with two orthogonally connected gimbals. This inverted approach allows the elevation axis to handle the tracking movements that would traditionally require high-speed azimuth motors, enabling continuous tracking with low-speed motors and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If trajectory optimization is applied, then antenna pointing losses are minimized, but device complexity increases with additional gimbals and motors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna pointing accuracyVSAvoidnumber of motors and gimbals

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two rotational movements (azimuth and elevation) into a single integrated pedestal with orthogonally connected gimbals, achieving precise antenna pointing without requiring three separate motors. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to minimize antenna pointing losses through coordinated rotational movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single integrated pedestal with two gimbals performs multiple functions - providing both azimuth and elevation rotational movements, enabling zenith tracking, and achieving precise antenna pointing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate trajectory optimization mechanisms while maintaining pointing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If three motors are used for zenith tracking, then tracking capability is improved, but mass, volume and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezenith tracking capabilityVSAvoidpedestal mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of three separate motors into a single integrated pedestal with two orthogonally connected gimbals. The first gimbal provides rotation about a first axis and the second gimbal provides rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first, achieving zenith tracking capability with only two relatively low-speed motors and substantially reduced mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using elevation over azimuth orientation with two gimbals instead of three separate motors. This allows the elevation axis to handle movements that would traditionally require high-speed azimuth motors, enabling zenith tracking with fewer, lower-speed motors and reduced mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 device provides efficient and cost-effective zenith pass tracking for LEO, MEO, and HAP satellites with reduced complexity and weight, enhancing communication throughput while maintaining low bandwidth costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first gimbal, rotatably mounted on the support means for rotation about a first axis; a second gimbal, rotatably mounted on the support means for rotation about a second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGimbal: Gimbal

Implementation Method 2

one or more torsion springs configured to eliminate possible backlashes in a gear of a motor operative to enable the less than a 360° rotational movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10197215B2Integral dual gimbal device

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 SATIXFY ISRAEL LTD

AI summary

A device comprising a single element which includes two integrally connected gimbals for use in satellite communications, wherein the device is characterized in being capable of performing two rotational movements around two axes that are orthogonal to each other.