Offset Feed Horn Compact Test Range System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compact range testing is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need to physically reposition the test article for each measurement, which limits the efficiency of data collection.
Innovation Solution
A compact test range system where the feed horn is offset in both the x and y directions from the focus of the reflector, allowing it to be positioned at multiple test locations corresponding to unique field tilt angles, eliminating the need to physically rotate the test article by determining the centroid of the triangle formed by the intersection points of the radio wave rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the test article is physically repositioned for each measurement in conventional compact range testing, then complete measurement data can be collected, but the testing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the test article to different positions for measurements, the patent inverts the approach by moving the feed horn to different offset positions while keeping the test article stationary. This inversion maintains measurement completeness while eliminating the time-consuming repositioning of the test article
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple virtual measurement positions by offsetting the feed horn horizontally and vertically, effectively copying the measurement capability to different spatial locations without physically moving the test article. Each feed horn offset position provides a unique field tilt angle measurement
2Stability of the object's composition
If the feed horn is placed at the focus of the parabolic reflector, then a flat phase front is created, but the test article must be rotated to create a matrix of measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning of the feed horn with horizontal and vertical offset capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to different field tilt angle requirements while maintaining the flat phase front property. The feed horn can be dynamically repositioned to create the measurement matrix without rotating the test article
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds horizontal and vertical offset dimensions to the feed horn positioning, transforming the measurement approach from rotational (single dimension) to multi-dimensional offset positioning. This dimensional expansion allows measurement matrix creation without test article rotation
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
This approach enables multiple measurements to be taken without rotating the test article, significantly reducing the time required for testing, as the feed horn is controlled to various positions, allowing for faster data collection and maintaining a flat phase front.
Implementation Method 1
A radio wave originating at the feed horn may include an infinite number of rays that are reflected off of a surface of the reflector. The rays of the radio wave are reflected from the surface of the reflector are then directed towards the test article.
Implementation Method 2
The rays of the radio wave are reflected off of the surface of the reflector are each parallel to one another, and are aligned with a horizontal axis. Moreover, the rays of the radio wave define a path from the feed horn to the axis of the paraboloid, where each path of each ray is equal in length to the other remaining rays of the radio wave.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact test range system for testing an article located within a test zone comprises a reflector defining a surface and a focus, a feed horn configured to emit radio waves, one or more processors, and a memory coupled to the processor. The radio wave includes an infinite number of rays, where the rays of the radio wave include an uppermost ray, a middle ray, and a lowermost ray directed towards the surface of the reflector. The memory stores data comprising a database and program code that, when executed by processors, causes the compact range test system to receive as input a plurality of field tilt angles. In response to receiving the field tilt angles, the system determines three points of intersection between the uppermost radio wave, the middle radio wave, and the lowermost radio wave that correspond to a first test position.