Optical Antenna Alignment Using Collimators and Bearing Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna alignment methods face challenges in precisely aligning reference planes of transmit and receive antennas, especially when antennas are covered with radomes, requiring complex and expensive systems, and struggle with accurate measurement of distance and angles using laser reflection due to aperture edge changes.
Innovation Solution
An antenna alignment apparatus utilizing a bearing structure and laser focal length adjustment, with a first antenna alignment unit on a transmit antenna jig and a second unit on a receive antenna jig, allowing for easy alignment by rotating optical fiber collimators and adjusting focal lengths to align central axes and control laser beams to converge at a single point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrical method using amplitude/phase detectors is used for antenna alignment, then alignment can be performed using RF signal polarization, but alignment accuracy deteriorates when signal-to-noise ratio is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical alignment method with an optical method. Instead of using RF signal polarization and amplitude/phase detectors, the invention uses a laser source to create a reference optical axis that can be visually aligned with the antenna aperture center, eliminating dependence on signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser source as an intermediary tool to establish a visual reference axis. The laser beam serves as a mediator between the alignment operator and the antenna aperture, providing a clear visual guide for precise centering without being affected by RF signal conditions
2Loss of information
If a three-dimensional laser measuring device is used to calculate distance and angles, then location information can be obtained, but precise measurement of distance, elevation angle, and azimuth angle becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential alignment function from complex laser measuring devices. Instead of using full 3D measurement capabilities, the invention uses a simple laser source to provide a visual reference axis, eliminating the complexity of calculating distance and angles while achieving precise alignment through direct visual observation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical copy of the alignment reference. Rather than using complex electronic calculations to determine position, the laser beam creates a visual representation of the reference axis that can be directly observed and aligned with, providing intuitive and precise alignment information
3Measurement precision
If laser reflected from edges of apertures is used to measure distance, then distance measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to changes in edge shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser source as an intermediary to create a stable reference axis that is independent of aperture edge characteristics. The laser beam provides a consistent visual reference that does not depend on the geometric stability of aperture edges, eliminating measurement errors caused by edge shape variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical reference copy that is independent of the physical aperture structure. The laser beam provides a visual representation of the reference axis that remains stable regardless of aperture edge shape changes, allowing consistent alignment measurements
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
Facilitates precise alignment of antennas by simplifying the process and reducing alignment errors, enabling accurate measurement of antenna characteristics even when apertures are inaccessible.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the focal length of the optical fiber collimator to converge the laser beam at a single point
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the focal length of the optical fiber collimator to converge the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna alignment apparatus includes a first antenna alignment unit. The first antenna alignment unit may include: a flange coupled to a transmit antenna jig providing two-axis rotational motion; a first bearing coupled to the flange; a cylinder inserted into the first bearing to rotate; an optical fiber collimator inserted into and aligned with the cylinder and having a variable focal length; an optical fiber mounted on the optical fiber collimator; and a plurality of screws contacting an external side surface of the optical fiber collimator through an external side surface of the cylinder and aligning a central axis of the optical fiber collimator and a central axis of the cylinder.