Modular Radar Reflector With Linear Translation for SAR Validation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar reflectors are large, difficult to construct, transport, and validate the precision of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite measurements due to their size and immobility, making it challenging to mimic land subsidence or heave for validation purposes.

Innovation Solution

A modular radar reflector with a reflecting assembly comprising removably attached triangular or square reflecting plates, a single linear translator for vertical adjustment, and a mounting assembly with a tilt mechanism, allowing for precise alignment and easy disassembly for transportation and reassembly, along with a screw jack mechanism for fine adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radar reflectors are designed to be large and stable, then measurement precision for validating SAR satellite measurements is improved, but ease of transport and construction is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation precisionVSAvoidconstruction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radar reflector is divided into multiple modular panels that can be separately manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each panel is a manageable size that can be handled by standard equipment, yet when assembled in various configurations they create large effective reflecting surfaces for precise SAR validation measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector system incorporates movable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to be dynamically adjusted between compact transport configurations and expanded measurement configurations. This enables the system to achieve large effective size for precision measurements while maintaining ease of transport through configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If radar reflectors are designed to be large and stable, then measurement precision for validating SAR satellite measurements is improved, but ease of transport is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation precisionVSAvoidtransport difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The radar reflector is divided into multiple modular panels that can be separately manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each panel is a manageable size that can be handled by standard equipment, yet when assembled in various configurations they create large effective reflecting surfaces for precise SAR validation measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector system incorporates movable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to be dynamically adjusted between compact transport configurations and expanded measurement configurations. This enables the system to achieve large effective size for precision measurements while maintaining ease of transport through configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If radar reflectors are designed to be stable and unmoving, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability for different validation scenarios is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidvalidation scenario flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radar reflector is divided into multiple modular panels that can be separately manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each panel is a manageable size that can be handled by standard equipment, yet when assembled in various configurations they create large effective reflecting surfaces for precise SAR validation measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panel design allows the same components to be used across multiple validation scenarios and configurations. The panels can be arranged in different geometries to validate various types of ground targets and measurement conditions, making the system universally applicable to diverse SAR validation needs while maintaining measurement stability through precise assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise reflection of radar beams, facilitates easy deployment and storage, and allows for validation of SAR satellite measurements by mimicking land subsidence or heave with fine vertical and horizontal adjustments, improving the validation process of SAR satellite precision.

Implementation Method 1

a reflecting assembly for reflecting the beam back to the source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a radar-absorbing material provided over at least a portion of the mounting assembly, for preventing multi-path reflections of the beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4391233A1Satellite radar beam reflector

Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ICEYE OY

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AI summary

A reflector is used to reflect a radar beam emitted by an airborne or spaceborne source, such as a SAR satellite. The reflector includes a reflecting assembly for reflecting the beam back to the source, and a single linear translator configured to translate the reflecting assembly as a whole.