Automated Microwave Antenna Alignment via Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of highly directional microwave antennas in microwave radio relay systems is complex and sensitive to positioning, requiring precise mechanical adjustments and frequent maintenance, which complicates the establishment and maintenance of reliable communication links.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system with a motor-driven reflector for coarse alignment and a fine adjustment system using electronic beam control, along with a control device for automating the alignment process, allowing for the establishment of a communication link and subsequent disabling of the motor drive, with auxiliary antennas for communication at a different frequency to facilitate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If motor drive is used for mechanical alignment of the reflector, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into two independent subsystems: a motor-driven coarse alignment system for initial positioning and an electronic beam adjustment system for fine alignment. This segmentation allows the motor drive to be simplified or removed while maintaining overall alignment precision through the electronic subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system with an electronic beam adjustment mechanism. Instead of using motor drives for continuous mechanical positioning, the system uses electronic control to adjust the beam direction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If motor drive is used for continuous alignment adjustments, then the alignment precision is maintained, but the maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical motor-driven adjustment system with an electronic beam adjustment system. This substitution eliminates moving parts that require maintenance while maintaining alignment stability through electronic control of the antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic beam adjustment system provides self-aligning capabilities through signal processing and control algorithms that automatically compensate for drift or misalignment without requiring mechanical intervention or maintenance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If highly directional narrow beams are used, then the transmission power efficiency is improved, but the alignment sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is segmented into coarse mechanical alignment using the motor drive and fine electronic beam adjustment. This allows the system to achieve the precise alignment required for highly directional beams while separating the alignment functions to reduce overall system sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic beam adjustment capabilities that allow real-time electronic steering of the narrow beam. This dynamic control compensates for alignment sensitivity by enabling continuous electronic repositioning of the beam without mechanical movement, maintaining power efficiency while reducing alignment constraints.
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 efficient and automated alignment of microwave antennas, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring stable communication links by separating coarse and fine alignment processes, allowing for precise beam adjustments and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
a primary radiator for transceiving a radio beam at an operating frequency impinged on the reflector
Implementation Method 2
a motor drive connected to the reflector for at least one of rotation and tilting of the reflector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
An antenna comprising a reflector (20) connected to a motor drive (30), a primary radiator (30) for transceiving a radio beam at an operating frequency impinged on the reflector (20) is disclosed. A coarse alignment system comprising a motor drive is connected to the reflector (20) for driving at least one of the rotation and the tilting of the reflector. The coarse alignment system (70; 270; 370; 470) comprising an auxiliary antenna (50) connected to the control device (60) for communicating with a further auxiliary antenna (10b), at a second frequency different from the operating frequency. A fine alignment system is also present for electronic adjustment of the radio beam. A control device controls the coarse alignment system and the fine alignment system.