Movable Satellite Antenna Positioning for Maritime Blockage Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems on maritime vessels face intermittent line-of-sight obstructions due to vessel movements and onboard structures, leading to disrupted communication links, which existing solutions fail to adequately address, especially when multiple antennas are required to maintain continuous connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system that moves the antenna between multiple positions to mitigate blockages, utilizing a processor-controlled support structure and a blockage database to optimize the communications link by selecting the best antenna position based on vessel heading, position, and obstruction data, while also considering roll, pitch, and yaw motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is located well above the highest point on the vessel to eliminate line-of-sight blockages, then communication reliability is improved, but the antenna may interfere with the line of sight of other antennas and components performing critical navigation and mission functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable antenna system that can dynamically reposition between multiple locations on the vessel. The antenna is mounted on a support structure allowing it to move along a path that takes it above obstructions when needed, while a control system monitors line-of-sight conditions and commands position changes to maintain clear communication paths without permanently blocking other antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension to the antenna positioning problem. Instead of a static high-position antenna that permanently blocks other antennas, the system uses a movable antenna that periodically assumes high positions only when line-of-sight blockage is detected or predicted, thereby resolving the conflict between achieving clear satellite communication and avoiding interference with other vessel systems
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are used to maintain continuous connectivity, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single antenna mounted on a movable support structure that can reposition to multiple locations on the vessel. The control system monitors line-of-sight conditions and dynamically commands the antenna to move to positions that maintain clear communication paths, eliminating the need for multiple fixed antennas while achieving continuous connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable antenna system serves multiple functions: it provides satellite communication, avoids blocking other antennas, and adapts to different vessel orientations and positions. The single antenna structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple fixed antennas, simplifying the overall system while maintaining continuous communication capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically positioning an antenna aperture on a mobile platform in a manner to avoid blockages created by other components/subsystems on the mobile platform between the line of sight of the antenna aperture and a satellite and to avoid interference with other systems that share the mobile platform. In one embodiment, one or more linear support elements are moved by one or more corresponding motors to allow the antenna aperture to be re-positioned between a plurality of different positions. Methods for creating and using a blockage database are also disclosed.