Modular Directional RF Tracking for Targeted Low-Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RF systems are limited in functionality, flexibility, and adaptability, often requiring significant effort and expense to update or reconfigure, and lack directional sensitivity, leading to inefficient signal transmission and high power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular, adaptable, and movable RF system with directional broad-bandwidth antennas, processing modules, and machine learning capabilities, enabling flexible configuration, efficient signal detection, and targeted transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If omnidirectional antennas are used to monitor surrounding areas, then the system can receive signals from all directions, but the power consumption increases and directional sensitivity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable antenna elements that can change their radiation patterns in real-time. The system switches between omnidirectional and directional modes based on detected signal characteristics and environmental conditions, optimizing power consumption while maintaining versatile signal reception capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements directional beamforming techniques that concentrate signal reception and transmission in specific directions rather than uniformly in all directions. This localizes the energy transmission to where it is most needed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability to different signal sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional RF systems are configured for specific functions, then the system can perform dedicated tasks, but the system cannot be easily updated or reconfigured for different purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated function performanceVSAvoidsystem reconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs an RF system with universal, reconfigurable antenna elements and programmable signal processing capabilities. The same hardware infrastructure can be configured through software to perform multiple different functions (detection, tracking, transmission, communication), eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each function while maintaining reliable performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable signal processing pipelines and antenna arrays that can adapt their characteristics in real-time. The system can switch between different operational modes (detection, tracking, communication) and adjust parameters such as frequency bands, beam directions, and signal thresholds through software control, enabling flexible updates without hardware changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If systems are moved to new locations or orientations, then the system can be deployed in different environments, but testing and calibration are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates self-calibration and automated environment adaptation features. When deployed in new locations or orientations, the system automatically performs calibration routines using built-in reference signals and environmental sensing capabilities, reducing or eliminating the need for manual testing and calibration while enabling flexible deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Use of energy by moving object

If directional antennas are used to target signal transmission, then power efficiency improves, but the system cannot monitor all directions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable antenna arrays that can switch between directional and omnidirectional modes based on real-time requirements. The system can form multiple directional beams simultaneously or rapidly switch between directions, maintaining power efficiency while achieving comprehensive monitoring coverage through coordinated multi-element operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the monitoring task across multiple antenna elements that can operate semi-independently. Each element or subgroup can be directed toward specific sectors, allowing the system to maintain directional power efficiency for active targets while other elements continue monitoring different directions, achieving both goals simultaneously through segmented operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12568602B2Modular system for detecting, tracking, and transmitting to identified objects

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 ANDURIL IND INC

AI summary

A modular, radio frequency (“RF”) system includes one or more directional antennas and is configured with both hardware and software components to enable the RF system to monitor (e.g., detect or track signals or objects) and/or interact with (e.g., track signals or objects, or transmit signals) objects in particular directions. The RF system includes one or more machine learning models to determine, based on received signals, one or more signals to transmit.