Polyhedral Drone Antenna Array for Simultaneous Radio Wave Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio wave measurement systems using drones require time-consuming rotation to maximize sensitivity, increasing measurement time and potentially introducing errors due to directivity of antennas.

Innovation Solution

A radio wave environment measurement device employing a multi-copter type unmanned flight vehicle equipped with a polyhedron having antennas on multiple surfaces, allowing simultaneous detection of radio wave intensities in various directions without rotation, and attached to the airframe with a gap equivalent to one or more wavelengths to minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the drone rotates to maximize antenna sensitivity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple directional antennas arranged on different surfaces of the polyhedron. Each antenna faces a specific direction, allowing simultaneous measurement of radio waves from multiple directions without requiring rotation of the entire drone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement capability is extended from a single direction to three-dimensional space by placing antennas on multiple surfaces of the polyhedral structure. This spatial arrangement allows the system to capture radio waves from all directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single-direction antenna is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability decreases due to directivity limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna system complexityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The polyhedral antenna structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides directional sensitivity in multiple directions, enables three-dimensional radio wave environment mapping, and eliminates the need for rotational mechanisms. Each surface of the polyhedron contributes to a specific measurement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system is divided into multiple directional elements positioned on different surfaces of the polyhedron. This segmentation allows each antenna to specialize in receiving signals from its specific direction while collectively providing comprehensive coverage of the radio wave environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the polyhedron is attached directly to the airframe, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure complexityVSAvoidradio wave measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The polyhedron is extracted from direct contact with the airframe by introducing a gap between them. This separation removes the source of interference (the conductive airframe) from the antenna's operational environment, allowing for more accurate radio wave measurements without complicating the mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Significantly reduces measurement time by eliminating the need for drone rotation and minimizes measurement errors by reducing directivity and interference, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of radio wave measurement.

Implementation Method 1

a reception antenna that receives a radio wave coming from the base station

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power measurement unit that measures power of the received radio wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS12040845B2Radio wave environment measurement device
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • US12040845B2 patent drawing
  • US12040845B2 patent drawing
  • US12040845B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radio wave environment measurement device includes: a multi-copter type unmanned flight vehicle configured to move in midair; a polyhedron attached to an airframe of the multi-copter type unmanned flight vehicle, the polyhedron having a plurality of surfaces; and an antenna provided on each of the plurality of surfaces of the polyhedron.