Laser Tracker Alignment for High-Frequency Antenna Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-frequency measurement setups for antennas face challenges in achieving precise alignment due to time-consuming geometric-optical calculations and high personnel and time costs, resulting in imprecise alignment and significant measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a laser tracker with retrotargets on both the high-frequency test object and reflectors to measure and adjust the alignment of high-frequency signals, enabling precise alignment and automatic adjustment through correction values calculated by a best-fit transformation program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two theodolites are used to measure orientation points and perform geometric-optical calculations, then alignment can be determined, but measurement precision deteriorates and time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system (two theodolites with geometric-optical calculations) with a laser tracking system. The laser tracker uses laser beams to measure three-dimensional coordinates of reflection targets on the antenna and mirror cube, eliminating the need for complex geometric-optical calculations and significantly reducing measurement time while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from angular measurements (theodolite) to three-dimensional coordinate measurements (laser tracker). By measuring x, y, z coordinates of reflection targets and calculating directions from these coordinates, the system achieves more precise and faster alignment determination without complex calculations.
2Measurement precision
If two theodolites with geometric-optical calculations are used, then alignment can be computed, but personnel and time costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement process (two theodolites requiring skilled personnel for setup, measurement, and calculation) with an automated laser tracking system. The laser tracker automatically measures coordinates and the system computes alignment directions through computer processing, dramatically reducing personnel requirements and improving measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser tracking system performs self-measurement and self-calculation of alignment directions. The system automatically acquires three-dimensional coordinates of reflection targets and computes the directions without requiring manual intervention or complex geometric-optical calculations, enabling efficient and precise alignment determination.
3Measurement precision
If traditional theodolite measurement method is used, then alignment can be determined, but individual measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex two-theodolite system with a single laser tracker system. The laser tracker measures three-dimensional coordinates of reflection targets and calculates directions through computer processing, simplifying the measurement system while improving individual measurement precision through direct coordinate-based direction determination.
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 approach significantly reduces alignment errors and setup times by up to 75% and 30% in alignment and data analysis, respectively, while ensuring precise alignment of high-frequency test objects in high-frequency measurement setups.
Implementation Method 1
a laser tracker (20) with retrotargets (22) for laser beams of the laser tracker
Implementation Method 2
Retrotargets are reflectors that reflect an incident laser beam back—in particular, in its direction of incidence
Data Source
AI summary
A high-frequency measurement setup for measuring a high-frequency test object, in particular, an antenna is provided. The setup includes one or more reflectors for high-frequency signals, a laser tracker, retrotargets for laser beams of the laser tracker that are disposed on the reflectors and are provided to orient the high-frequency test object, and a measuring unit that is designed to actuate the laser tracker in such a way that the high-frequency test object and one or more reflectors are measured in terms of their propagation of high-frequency signals.