Multibeam Antenna with Movable Radiating Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multibeam antennas for satellite missions face challenges in repointing beams independently while maintaining a compact, lightweight, and simple structure, as current methods either require significant mechanical adjustments or complex electronic systems, leading to increased mass and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multibeam antenna design featuring a single reflection device and multiple mobile assemblies with two degrees of freedom, allowing for independent reorientation of beams without the need for extensive mechanical or electronic complexity, utilizing a processing module for signal acquisition and control module for precise positioning of radiating sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive reflector antenna uses mechanical reorientation for each target point, then beam pointing accuracy is improved, but antenna bulk and mass are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system segments the reflector surface into multiple independently movable sections, each capable of being repositioned to redirect beams to different target points. This allows selective mechanical adjustment of only the necessary portions rather than moving the entire antenna structure, reducing overall mass while maintaining pointing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the antenna by enabling the reflector sections to move between different positions during operation. This dynamic capability allows the same physical hardware to serve multiple target points sequentially, eliminating the need for permanent dedicated reflectors for each target and thereby reducing total mass.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active antenna uses electronic repointing system, then beam reorientation flexibility is improved, but device complexity and mass are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic beam steering systems with a simplified mechanical repositioning system. Instead of using phase shifters, amplifiers, and complex signal distribution networks, the invention uses movable reflector sections that physically redirect beams through geometric reflection, achieving the same flexibility with simpler mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex electronic repointing subsystem from the antenna design. By eliminating the need for electronic beam forming and signal distribution networks, the system achieves beam reorientation purely through mechanical repositioning of reflector elements, significantly reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active antenna uses electronic repointing system, then beam reorientation flexibility is improved, but mass and energy consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy electronic repointing equipment with lightweight mechanical repositioning mechanisms. By using simple movable reflector sections instead of complex electronic beam steering hardware, the system achieves the same adaptability with significantly reduced mass.
4Measurement precision
If passive reflector antenna uses mechanical reorientation, then beam pointing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reflector into independent movable sections that can be repositioned individually. This segmentation allows for simple mechanical adjustments of discrete elements rather than complex mechanisms for moving entire sub-antennas, reducing structural complexity while maintaining pointing precision.
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 flexible and independent beam reorientation while reducing the mass and size of the antenna, avoiding the complexity and weight of electronic pointing systems, thus providing a compact and efficient solution for satellite communications.
Implementation Method 1
mobile assemblies with two degrees of freedom, allowing for independent reorientation of beams
Implementation Method 2
a single reflection device and multiple mobile assemblies
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a multibeam antenna (10) with adjustable pointing, comprising a single reflector (12) and a plurality of radiating sources arranged opposite the reflector (12) and capable of transmitting and/or receiving radio signals. The reflector (12) defines a center, a focal plane, and a focus located in this focal plane. The antenna (10) is characterized in that at least one of the radiating sources, referred to as the moving source, is movable substantially independently of the other radiating source(s) within a scanning area to adjust the pointing of the antenna (10). The scanning area coincides with the focal plane or is tangent to it at the focus.