Phased Array Antennas on High Altitude Platforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas on High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) face challenges with coverage area and weight due to mechanical systems for adjusting scan angles, leading to interference and distortion, and lack of efficient wireless communication solutions for remote or topographically challenging areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with fixedly attached planar phased array antennas on HAPs, where each antenna has a non-parallel normal vector, allowing independent beam adjustment and direction without mechanical systems, using a communication controller with a beam former to manage beamforming weights based on flight path and service coverage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a mechanical system such as a gimbal is used to adjust the phased array antenna, then the coverage area can be increased, but the weight and bulkiness of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal system with an electronic beamforming system. The phased array antenna uses electronic phase shifting and signal processing to steer beams and adjust coverage areas without any mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates the weight and complexity of mechanical systems while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust coverage areas through electronic control of the antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering and coverage area adjustment through electronic phase shifting of the antenna elements. The system can dynamically change the direction and shape of radiation beams by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each element, allowing the coverage area to be modified electronically without mechanical movement.
2Area of stationary object
If a mechanical system such as a gimbal is used to adjust the phased array antenna, then the coverage area can be increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal system with an electronic beamforming system. The phased array antenna uses electronic phase shifting and signal processing to steer beams and adjust coverage areas without any mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates the weight and complexity of mechanical systems while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust coverage areas through electronic control of the antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional phased array antenna system that can perform multiple operations including beam steering, coverage area adjustment, interference mitigation, and signal reception/transmission all through a single electronic system. This universal system replaces multiple separate mechanical subsystems, reducing overall device complexity while providing versatile functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If the phased array antenna operates at maximum scan angle, then the coverage area is maximized, but interference and distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors signal quality, interference levels, and distortion metrics. Based on this feedback, the beamforming controller adjusts the phase and amplitude weights of antenna elements to optimize beam direction and shape, avoiding scan angles that produce interference or distortion while maintaining maximum effective coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering and coverage area adjustment through electronic phase shifting of the antenna elements. The system can dynamically change the direction and shape of radiation beams by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each element, allowing the coverage area to be modified electronically without mechanical movement.
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 solution enhances wireless communication coverage, reduces weight and size, enabling longer endurance and higher altitude operations, providing efficient communication links with less power consumption and better site line than terrestrial equipment, especially in remote or damaged infrastructure areas.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of elements of the first planar phased array antenna may generate a first beam... A second set of elements of the second planar phased array antenna may generate a second beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An aircraft includes a fuselage, wings coupled to the fuselage, and a transceiver. The aircraft further includes a plurality of planar phased array antennas coupled to the transceiver and fixedly attached to the fuselage or to at least one of the wings. The plurality of planar phased array antennas include a first planar phased array antenna having a first normal vector and a second planar phased array antenna having a second normal vector. The first normal vector is not parallel to the second normal vector.