Optical Antenna Alignment Fixture for Radar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ensuring antenna flatness in radar array antennas are expensive, labor-intensive, and unsuitable for austere environments, particularly when deploying large array apertures, as they require heavy and specialized equipment and a trained workforce.
Innovation Solution
An alignment apparatus with a rigid frame and flexible member, equipped with an optical source and target, which indicates misalignment by emitting a light beam and detecting its deviation from a target, allowing for quick and efficient adjustment of the antenna's flatness without the need for sophisticated equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive equipment such as a laser scanner is used to determine antenna flatness, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laser scanning equipment with a simplified optical alignment system using a theodolite, optical sources, and targets. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing equipment complexity and cost, enabling field deployment without sophisticated laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical targets and light beams to create a reference framework that copies the desired alignment geometry. By projecting optical references onto the antenna structure and measuring deviations from these references, the system achieves accurate flatness measurement without requiring complex scanning equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If heavy calibration equipment is used to flatten antennas, then manufacturing precision is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical calibration equipment with a lightweight optical measurement and adjustment system. The theodolite-based optical alignment method requires minimal physical equipment, enabling a single operator to perform antenna flatness adjustment in the field without heavy machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system enables operators to perform self-adjustment of antenna flatness using the optical references provided by the theodolite and optical sources. The system is designed to be easily deployable and operable by personnel with minimal training, eliminating the need for specialized heavy equipment operators.
3Measurement precision
If trained workforce is required to operate calibration equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical alignment system is designed to be intuitively operable by personnel with minimal training. The theodolite provides visual optical references that guide operators through the alignment process, eliminating the need for specialized knowledge of complex calibration procedures while maintaining accurate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual optical indicators and light beams that provide immediate feedback on alignment status. Operators can directly observe the alignment state through optical targets and theodolite readings, making the operation intuitive and eliminating the need for extensive training on interpretation of complex measurement data.
4Reliability
If traditional calibration methods are used in austere environments, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laboratory-based mechanical calibration equipment with a portable optical system that can be deployed in austere field environments. The theodolite and optical sources are lightweight and can operate in various environmental conditions, providing reliable measurement and adjustment capability where traditional equipment cannot be deployed.
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 a single individual with minimal training to align the flatness of radar array antennas in the field, reducing costs and logistical challenges by using lightweight, portable equipment that can detect and correct misalignment effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance, if any, between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment apparatus configured to be mounted to a radar array antenna having a generally planar face for aligning the antenna includes a rigid frame defining a plane generally parallel to the face of the antenna when the rigid frame is mounted to the antenna. A flexible member is associated with the rigid frame and is configured to flex relative to the rigid frame. The apparatus further includes an optical source for emitting a light beam and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.