Over-the-Air Measuring Device Feed Antenna Positioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-air measurement systems require significant manual effort and time to switch between feed antennas for measuring devices under test across wide frequency ranges, limiting efficiency and operator involvement.
Innovation Solution
An over-the-air measuring device with a guide rail that holds multiple feed antenna devices, allowing for independent movement and storage, enabling minimal operator involvement and efficient measurements across a large frequency range using a single antenna while preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable feed antennas are used to cover wide frequency ranges, then the measurement frequency range is improved, but the operator effort and time required for manual antenna exchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic antenna selection system where multiple feed antennas are mounted on a movable carriage that can be automatically positioned along a guide rail. The system dynamically selects and positions the appropriate antenna based on the measurement frequency range, eliminating manual intervention and reducing measurement time while maintaining wide frequency coverage capability
2Device complexity
If multiple feed antennas are positioned closely together for compact storage, then the device complexity is reduced, but signal interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary positioning actions where the system pre-calculates and pre-positions antennas to optimal locations before measurements begin. The carriage system pre-arranges multiple antennas along the guide rail at predetermined positions that balance compact storage with adequate separation to minimize signal interference during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual antenna exchange is performed, then the measurement system can cover wide frequency ranges, but the operator involvement and measurement setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where the measurement device autonomously selects and positions the appropriate feed antenna based on the desired frequency range. The control system automatically manages the carriage movement and antenna selection without requiring operator intervention, thereby maintaining wide frequency coverage while significantly reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical antenna exchange process with an automated electromechanical system. The guide rail and carriage assembly, controlled by automated positioning mechanisms, substitute for manual antenna handling, enabling frequency range adaptation without direct operator involvement in the physical antenna exchange process
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 automated, efficient, and minimally operator-dependent measurements across a wide frequency range by allowing for the selective use of feed antennas and precise positioning, reducing measurement duration and operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the over the air measuring device comprises a reflector, which is adapted to reflect the first measuring signals after being transmitted, before reaching the device under test, and/or to reflect the second measuring signals after being transmitted, before reaching the one of the N feed antennas performing the measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
An over the air measuring device (1) is provided. The over the air measuring device (1) comprises N feed antenna devices (6, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68), a measuring device (8), adapted to perform over the air measurements on a device under test (7), selectively using any one of the N feed antenna devices (6, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68), and a guide rail (2) adapted to moveably hold the N feed antenna devices (6, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68). The N feed antenna devices (6, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) are independently movable along the guide rail (2).