Passive Microwave Sounder with Fixed Reflection Plate for Polarization Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive microwave sounders on satellites lack the ability to distinguish between horizontally and vertically polarized electromagnetic waves, leading to decreased accuracy in measuring vertical water vapor distribution and precipitation, especially due to the weight and size constraints of existing reflectors.
Innovation Solution
A passive microwave sounder with a fixed reflection plate that includes a motor-driven rotating reflection plate and an auxiliary reflection part, allowing for cross-track scanning and the use of a fixed reflection plate to distinguish between polarized waves, enabling continuous wave reception and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conical scanning imager with a large reflector is used to distinguish horizontal and vertical polarized waves, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the payload becomes relatively heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large reflector into multiple smaller reflectors (first reflector, second reflector, third reflector, fourth reflector) that work together to achieve the polarization discrimination function. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the required measurement accuracy while reducing the weight and size of individual reflector components compared to a single large imager reflector.
Solution Approach 2:
The sounder system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can distinguish horizontal and vertical polarized waves (typically an imager function) while also maintaining the cross-track scanning capability for wide-range observation (traditional sounder function). This multi-functionality allows the payload to replace both imager and sounder, reducing overall weight.
2Weight of moving object
If a cross-track scanning sounder with a small reflector is used to achieve lightweight design, then payload weight is reduced, but the ability to distinguish horizontal and vertical polarized waves is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple small reflectors instead of a single large reflector. The first and second reflectors handle one polarization component while the third and fourth reflectors handle the orthogonal polarization component. This segmentation enables polarization discrimination without requiring a single large heavy reflector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching mechanisms including a first switching means and a second switching means that alternately connect different reflector pairs to the receiver. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between measuring different polarization components, enabling polarization discrimination capability in a lightweight sounder design.
3Weight of moving object
If the reflector size is reduced to achieve lightweight design, then payload weight is reduced, but the observation range coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between multiple reflector configurations. The switching means alternately connect different reflector pairs to the receiver during the scanning process, enabling the system to cover a wide observation range equivalent to that of a larger single reflector while using multiple smaller, lighter reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple reflectors in different spatial positions and orientations (first and second reflectors at different positions, third and fourth reflectors similarly arranged). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows the system to achieve wide coverage area while keeping individual reflectors small and lightweight.
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 solution allows for the lightweight design of the sounder while maintaining the functionality of an imager, enabling accurate measurement of vertical distributions and precipitation by distinguishing between horizontal and vertical polarized waves, thereby enhancing observational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotating reflection plate 200 forming a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface of a nadir direction and having a first one-side surface 210 and a first other-side surface 220, the center of the first one-side surface 210 being coupled to and rotating with the first rotary shaft 110, such that the first one-side surface 210 and the first other-side surface 220 alternately face the ground surface, and the second other-side surface 220 reflecting incident electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
a fixed reflection plate 500 fixed above the first rotating reflection plate 200 at a predetermined angle with the ground surface and reflecting the electromagnetic waves to the first one-side surface 210 or the first other-side surface 220
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary reflection part 300 reflecting the electromagnetic waves incident from the first other-side surface 220 to a predetermined position; a reception part 400 receiving the electromagnetic waves reflected from the auxiliary reflection part 300
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a passive microwave sounder for a satellite, having a fixed reflection plate. The passive microwave sounder for a satellite, having a fixed reflection plate includes: a motor 100 including a first rotary shaft 110 formed to extend in a progressing direction of a satellite; a first rotating reflection plate 200 forming a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface of a nadir direction and having a first one-side surface 210 and a first other-side surface 220, the center of the first one-side surface 210 being coupled to and rotating with the first rotary shaft 110, such that the first one-side surface 210 and the first other-side surface 220 alternately face the ground surface, and the second other-side surface 220 reflecting incident electromagnetic waves; an auxiliary reflection part 300 reflecting the electromagnetic waves incident from the first other-side surface 220 to a predetermined position; a reception part 400 receiving the electromagnetic waves reflected from the auxiliary reflection part 300; and a fixed reflection plate 500 fixed above the first rotating reflection plate 200 at a predetermined angle with the ground surface and reflecting the electromagnetic waves to the first one-side surface 210 or the first other-side surface 220.