Polarized RF Reference Source for Angular Orientation Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current angular orientation sensors, such as inertia-based, optical, magnetometer, and RF sensors, face limitations including drift and noise errors, high power requirements, vulnerability to jamming, and inability to operate effectively in non-line-of-sight conditions, making them unsuitable for precise guidance and control of mobile platforms like munitions and UAVs.
Innovation Solution
The development of polarized RF reference sources with scanning capability, utilizing nonlinear signal processing and curve matching techniques, allows for precise angular orientation measurements independent of signal magnitude, enabling operation in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight settings and eliminating the need for distance calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If inertia-based sensors are used to measure angular orientation, then the sensors can provide continuous orientation data, but drift and noise errors accumulate over time reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarized RF reference source as an intermediary external reference that the mobile platform's sensor uses to periodically correct its orientation measurements. This external reference acts as a mediator that resets the accumulated drift errors without requiring continuous high-power transmission, thus maintaining precision over extended duration.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for angular orientation measurement, then direct relative orientation measurement is achieved, but the sensors require line-of-sight and clean environment conditions reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from optical to RF frequency range, allowing the system to operate in non-line-of-sight and harsh environmental conditions. The polarized RF reference source operates at radio frequencies that can penetrate obstacles and weather conditions that block optical signals, thus improving adaptability while maintaining measurement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetometer sensors are used for angular orientation measurement, then the sensors can operate without line-of-sight requirements, but they are sensitive to magnetic field variations and vehicle configurations reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external polarized RF reference source as a more reliable intermediary for orientation measurement. Instead of relying on the Earth's magnetic field which varies with location and is affected by vehicle components, the system uses a controlled RF reference source that provides a stable, known polarization state for accurate orientation determination.
4Measurement precision
If high-power RF reference sources are used for angular orientation measurement, then the signal strength is sufficient for remote measurement, but the power consumption increases and detection becomes easier reducing energy efficiency and stealth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning of the polarized RF reference source instead of continuous high-power transmission. The reference source scans through different angular positions periodically, and the mobile platform's sensor detects the signal during these periodic intervals. This periodic action maintains sufficient signal strength for remote measurement while dramatically reducing average power consumption and making detection more difficult.
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 significantly enhances the precision of angular orientation measurements, reduces noise and environmental effects, and allows for autonomous, low-power operation, making it suitable for harsh environments and real-time guidance of mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals
Implementation Method 2
polarized RF reference sources with scanning capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a polarized radio frequency scanning source is provided. The method including amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized radio frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency. The two or more synchronized polarized RF carrier signals with the predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation can obtain a periodic or non-periodic scanning range, rate and frequency.