Multi-Beam Reflector Antenna with Adjustable Feed for Multi-Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems require multiple antennas to communicate with multiple geostationary satellites, which is costly and difficult to install, as they need to be precisely pointed at specific satellites to avoid interference and maintain signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam antenna with a single reflector surface defining two focal regions, featuring a fixed first feed group and an adjustable second feed group, allowing concurrent communication with non-collocated geostationary satellites by adjusting the position and orientation of the second feed group relative to the reflector to accommodate different satellite positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to communicate with multiple geostationary satellites, then communication capability with multiple satellites is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single multi-beam antenna structure. The reflector with multiple focal regions and multiple feed groups enables the antenna to simultaneously communicate with multiple satellites, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-beam antenna is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different focal regions for different satellite communications. The adjustable attachment mechanism allows the antenna to adapt to different satellite positions, providing universal communication capability across multiple geostationary satellites.
2Productivity
If multiple antennas are deployed for multi-satellite communication, then concurrent communication capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna systems into one integrated multi-beam antenna structure. By combining multiple feed groups with different focal regions on a single reflector, it achieves concurrent multi-satellite communication while reducing the number of separate installations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable attachment mechanism introduces dynamic adaptability to the antenna system. This allows the second feed group to be repositioned for different satellite locations, enabling the single antenna to maintain optimal communication geometry with multiple satellites at different positions.
3Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for multi-satellite communication, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different satellite positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is segmented into multiple focal regions, each associated with a specific feed group for communicating with different satellites. This segmentation allows the single antenna to handle multiple satellite directions simultaneously while maintaining the simplicity of a single physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable attachment mechanism provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the second feed group to be repositioned along the reflector surface. This enables the antenna to adapt to different satellite positions and orbital variations without requiring multiple fixed antennas.
4Device complexity
If feeds are fixed relative to the reflector, then structural simplicity is improved, but ability to accommodate different satellite positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feed groups are segmented into fixed and adjustable categories. The first feed group is fixed for stable communication with its designated satellite, while the second feed group is adjustable to accommodate position variations and communicate with different satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable attachment mechanism introduces controlled dynamics to the otherwise fixed feed structure. This allows the second feed group to be repositioned to track satellite position variations and accommodate different orbital slots while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 efficient, cost-effective concurrent communication with multiple geostationary satellites by using a single multi-beam antenna, providing high-efficiency directive beams for bidirectional or unidirectional communication, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector having a single reflector surface defining a first focal region and a second focal region... a first feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a first beam... a second feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a second beam
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-beam antenna including a reflector having a single reflector surface defining a first focal region and a second focal region. A first feed group located within the first focal region includes a first feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a first beam pointed in a first direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes a fixed attachment mechanism attaching the first feed group to the reflector such that a position of the first feed group is fixed relative to the reflector. The multi-beam antenna further includes a second feed group located within the second focal region that includes a second feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a second beam pointed in a second direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes an adjustable attachment mechanism attaching the second feed group to the reflector, whereby a difference between the first direction and the second direction is adjustable.