Synchronously Movable Antenna Feeds for Multi-Band Satellite Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems struggle to effectively track communications satellites while accommodating the roll, pitch, and yaw motions of ships, and they lack the capability to operate in multiple communication bands such as C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band, which are susceptible to different interference and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system with a support assembly, primary reflector, movable feed assembly, and actuators that synchronize the movement of multiple feeds to switch between positions, allowing operation in multiple frequency bands, and a subreflector that adjusts its position to reflect signals to the appropriate feed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feeds are included in the antenna system to operate in multiple frequency bands, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feeds for different frequency bands (C-band, Ku-band, Ka-band) are combined into a single feed assembly that can be positioned at different locations. The feed assembly integrates multiple feed elements, each configured for specific frequency bands, allowing the antenna system to operate across multiple bands by moving the feed assembly to appropriate positions rather than maintaining separate fixed feeds for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed assembly is made movable along the signal path between the primary reflector and the feed support structure. An actuator dynamically adjusts the position of the feed assembly to align different feeds with the signal path depending on the desired frequency band. This dynamic positioning enables flexible band switching without requiring complex mechanical structures for each individual feed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feed assembly is moved to switch between frequency bands, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of continuous tracking may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the required frequency band based on satellite position and communication requirements before initiating feed assembly movement. The actuator is controlled to move the feed assembly to the predetermined position corresponding to the needed frequency band, ensuring that the transition is planned and executed at appropriate moments to maintain continuous tracking without interruption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feeds are synchronized to move along the signal path, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feeds are merged into a single feed assembly structure that moves as one unit along the signal path. This integration eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each feed and simplifies the synchronization requirement to a single actuator controlling the entire assembly, rather than coordinating multiple independent feed positions.
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 ensures continuous and accurate satellite tracking by dynamically adjusting feed positions to handle various frequency bands, overcoming interference and weather-related issues, and maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The primary reflector is configured to receive and reflect RF signals in the plurality of frequency bands
Implementation Method 2
the subreflector is movable, by a second actuator, between a first subreflector position and a second subreflector position... the subreflector assembly is positioned along the first signal path to reflect RF signals in the first frequency band between the primary reflector and the first feed
Data Source
AI summary
The antenna system and the method receive signals having radio frequencies in a plurality of radio frequency bands. The antenna system includes a support assembly, a primary reflector that is coupled to the support assembly, a feed assembly that is movably coupled to the support assembly, and a first feed and a second feed fixedly coupled to the feed assembly. The first feed and the second feed are configured to communicate RF signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, respectively, of the plurality of frequency bands. The antenna system also includes a first actuator that is configured to move the feed assembly from a first feed assembly position, where the first feed is positioned along a first signal path with the primary reflector, to a second feed assembly position, where the second feed is positioned along a second signal path with the primary reflector.