Multi Reflector Antenna Terminal With Rotating Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-reflector antenna terminals lack functionalities such as mechanical switch-off, selective operation on different frequency bands, and redundancy to ensure operation in case of feed failure, as well as fine tuning and compensation for degradation due to aging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-reflector antenna terminal with three reflectors, including a rotating mirror, that allows for mechanical switch-off, selective frequency band operation, redundancy, and fine tuning of the pointing direction, achieved through a specific arrangement of reflectors and radio frequency chains, enabling efficient operation on moving vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dual reflector antenna terminal is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functionality is limited and cannot provide mechanical switch-off, selective frequency band operation, or redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent functional modules: a first radio frequency chain with a first reflector for one frequency band, and a second radio frequency chain with a second reflector for another frequency band. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently, providing selective frequency band operation and redundancy while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna terminal is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple reflectors and radio frequency chains that can operate on different frequency bands. The system can selectively activate different reflector-chain combinations based on operational requirements, providing both mechanical switch-off capability and frequency band selectivity within a unified structure
2Reliability
If redundancy is added to guarantee operation in case of feed failure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates redundant feed horns and radio frequency chains in advance, before any failure occurs. The system is pre-configured with alternative operational paths (multiple reflectors and frequency chains) that can be activated immediately upon detecting a failure, ensuring continuous operation without requiring complex real-time decision systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides reliability through parameter diversity by operating on different frequency bands with different reflectors. When one feed or frequency chain fails, the system switches to a different frequency band and corresponding reflector, changing the operational parameters rather than simply adding duplicate components, thereby achieving redundancy with controlled complexity
3Measurement precision
If fine tuning of pointing direction is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable reflectors that can change their orientation or shape to achieve fine tuning of the pointing direction. The reflectors are mounted on adjustable supports that allow precise angular adjustments, enabling the system to optimize beam direction and compensate for degradation effects through controlled mechanical movement rather than complex fixed adjustment mechanisms
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 antenna terminal provides enhanced reliability, flexibility, and performance by allowing selective operation, redundancy, and fine tuning, ensuring continuous communication even under critical conditions and reducing mechanical stress and gain losses.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting system (4, 5, 6) including three reflectors and in particular a main reflector (4), a secondary reflector (5) and a third reflector (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A multi reflector antenna terminal (100) is disclosed comprising: - a support base (2) adapted to be rotated around a first rotation axis (A); - a reflecting system (4,5,6) mechanically coupled to the support base (2) and adapted to be rotated around a second rotation axis (B) with respect to the support base (2), the second rotation axis (B) being independent from the first rotation axis (A); - at least one radiofrequency chain (9,18) adapted to receive and/or transmit an electromagnetic signal through the reflecting system (4,5,6). The reflecting system (4,5,6) comprises: - a main reflector (4) rotatably coupled to the rotating base (2) and adapted to be rotated around the second rotation axis (B) with respect to the support base (2); - a subreflector (5) and a third reflector (6), both mechanically coupled to the main reflector (4) and adapted to be rotated jointly with the main reflector (4) in its rotation around the second axis (B), wherein the third reflector (6) is adapted to be rotated around a third rotation axis (C) with respect the main and subreflector (4).