Offset RF Feed Horn in Dual-Mode Space Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminals providing both optical and RF connectivity face the challenge of preventing RF components from blocking the optical path, and vice versa, which limits their effectiveness in maintaining continuous communication, especially in applications like LEO-to-ground communications where optical links are sensitive to cloud blockage.
Innovation Solution
A terminal design that incorporates both optical and RF transceivers, with shared components like a gimbal drive and DC converters, allowing automatic switching between optical and RF links based on conditions, and utilizing offset configurations of mirrors and feed horns to avoid blockage, enabling minimal size and weight increase while maintaining connectivity through clouds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RF components are integrated into the terminal, then dual-band communication capability is achieved, but the optical path may be blocked by RF components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the RF feed horn at an offset location relative to the optical axis, moving it from a potential blocking position to a side position. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension allows the RF component to operate without interfering with the optical path, resolving the contradiction between dual-band capability and optical path blockage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates distinct functional zones within the terminal: the central optical axis is reserved for optical components and paths, while the offset region is allocated for RF components. This local differentiation ensures that each component operates in its designated zone without interfering with the other, eliminating mutual blockage while maintaining both communication modes
2Reliability
If both optical and RF transceivers are included in a single terminal, then continuous communication is enabled, but the terminal size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that can operate in both optical and RF modes. By incorporating both transceiver types within a single terminal structure with shared mounting interfaces and coordinated positioning, the system achieves universal communication capability without requiring separate dedicated terminals, thereby limiting the weight increase to minimal necessary additions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines optical and RF transceiver systems into a single integrated terminal platform. By merging the mounting structures, control systems, and spatial coordination mechanisms into one unified terminal, the design achieves continuous communication capability while minimizing the overall weight increase compared to using separate terminals
3Volume of moving object
If RF and optical components share the same aperture, then compact terminal design is achieved, but mutual blockage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where the RF feed horn is positioned offset from the optical axis rather than symmetrically centered. This asymmetric placement creates an irregular spatial arrangement that allows the optical path to pass through the center unobstructed while the RF component operates from the side, achieving compact aperture sharing without mutual blockage
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the RF component from a two-dimensional planar arrangement that would cause blockage to a three-dimensional offset configuration. By utilizing the third dimension (lateral offset from the optical axis), the system achieves compact volumetric integration while maintaining clear separation of optical and RF paths, eliminating mutual blockage
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 solution allows for continuous communication by automatically switching between optical and RF links, maintaining high data rates and minimizing size and weight, with the RF transceiver providing a backup to the optical link, and vice versa, effectively addressing the issue of cloud blockage and maintaining connectivity with minimal additional space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transceiver (102) including a parabolic mirror
Implementation Method 2
an RF transceiver (202) including one or more feed horns (202) which enables the RF transceiver (202) to function as a Ka band antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed are systems for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal and an optical signal. One system may include a communication terminal comprising a primary concave reflector providing a first focal length to a focal point, and a secondary concave reflector providing a second focal length to the focal point. The communication terminal may further comprise an optical transceiver facing the secondary concave reflector, and one or more RF transceivers facing the primary concave reflector. The optical transceiver may be configured to transmit and receive the optical signal via the primary and secondary concave reflectors through the focal point, and the one or more RF transceivers may be configured to transmit and receive the RF signal via the primary concave reflector. The one or more RF transceivers may be positioned adjacent to the focal point and offset from a path of the optical signal.