Variable Mesh Shielding for Controlled Radar Signature Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for radar calibration, particularly for AN/SPY radar systems on U.S. Navy AEGIS ships, are unpredictable, uncontrollable, time inefficient, cost ineffective, and pose safety concerns due to the use of meteorological balloons for external calibration, which are influenced by environmental conditions and lack control over target shape and size.
Innovation Solution
A system with variable external shielding structures that adapt to user requirements and environmental changes, using a mesh design to manage external signature presence, block unwanted signal emissions, and control electromagnetic interference, while allowing for aerodynamic efficiency and blending with the environment, and can emit specific radio frequency responses to influence radar cross-section readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If meteorological balloons are used for external radar calibration, then the calibration can be conducted with simple equipment, but the calibration becomes unpredictable and uncontrollable due to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static balloon-borne targets to a dynamically controllable drone platform. The drone can actively adjust its position, orientation, and velocity to maintain precise calibration geometry, eliminating the unpredictability caused by environmental factors while retaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical balloon system with an active drone system that uses controlled flight mechanics. This substitution enables predictable and controllable calibration targets while maintaining operational simplicity through automated flight control and positioning systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If static target spheres are used for calibration, then the equipment is simple, but the system is inflexible to changing calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the calibration target dynamic by using a drone platform that can change its flight parameters (position, velocity, orientation) in real-time. This allows the same simple equipment to adapt to various calibration scenarios, including different radar configurations, ranges, and calibration types, without requiring multiple physical targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone-based target system serves multiple calibration functions that would otherwise require different specialized equipment. A single drone platform can perform calibration for various radar arrays, ranges, and configurations, making the system universally applicable while maintaining equipment simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If balloon-borne targets are used for external calibration, then the setup is straightforward, but the process becomes time inefficient due to unpredictable target behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves calibration efficiency by using a drone that can dynamically adjust its flight path and position in real-time. This active control allows the calibration process to proceed without delays caused by unpredictable balloon behavior, while the setup remains simple through automated flight control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using the drone's navigation and positioning systems to continuously monitor and adjust the target's position relative to the radar. This feedback mechanism ensures the target remains in the optimal calibration position throughout the test, eliminating time losses due to drift or unpredictable movement.
4Ease of manufacture
If meteorological balloons are used for calibration, then the equipment is simple, but safety concerns arise from uncontrolled target deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the uncontrolled mechanical balloon release system with a controlled drone launch and recovery system. The drone can be precisely controlled during takeoff, operation, and landing, eliminating safety risks associated with uncontrolled balloon deployment while maintaining equipment simplicity through integrated flight control systems.
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 system provides efficient, controlled, and safe radar calibration by mitigating environmental influences and maintaining aerodynamic stability, enabling precise calibration and reducing the need for frequent and costly recalibrations, thus enhancing the operational readiness of radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
an external radio frequency structure mesh shield comprising gaps that are spaced to achieve total reflection in order to mimic a radar return of a solid object
Implementation Method 2
using a mesh design to manage external signature presence, block unwanted signal emissions, and control electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for radar calibration that utilizes external shielding structures to be constructed around the body frame of a system to manage external signature presence and block unwanted signal emissions and intrusions. The inventive structures can adapt to desired user requirements or to environmental change as needed. The variable shielding with isolating connectors to the body frame of the system allows for aerodynamic needs to be sustained due to the mesh design while also protecting against electromagnetic spectrum interference and electro-optical short wave and long wave infrared signature emissions. The shielding can also be formed to emit a known or desired radio frequency response based on geometric shapes in order to influence radar cross-section readings. Communication with external environment is completed through the use of the shielding as a series of antennas.