PULSAR Navigation Microantenna Array with Cryogenic Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems are impractical for mobile applications due to the large size of antennas required to detect pulsating radio star (PULSAR) radiation, which is typically weak and in the millisecond frequency range, making it difficult to use PULSARs for terrestrial navigation without being resonance-dependent and requiring sensitive receivers.

Innovation Solution

A navigation system utilizing a microantenna array with Josephson Junctions and cryogenic cooling, capable of detecting the magnetic field components of PULSAR radiation pulses, allowing for terrestrial position calculation independent of frequency and wavelength, and integrating with GPS for redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If large dish antennas are used to detect PULSAR radiation in the millisecond region, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device size and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidantenna size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to detect PULSAR radiation in the gigahertz range rather than the traditional millisecond region, allowing the use of smaller microstrip patch antennas while maintaining detection capability. This frequency parameter change enables compact antenna design suitable for mobile platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional large metallic dish antennas with microstrip patch antennas that use electromagnetic resonance in a compact planar structure. This substitution enables the detection system to achieve the required sensitivity with a much smaller physical footprint, making it suitable for mobile and portable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If resonance condition is applied to metallic antennas for detecting PULSAR radiation, then detection efficiency is improved, but frequency range and adaptability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs microstrip patch antennas that can detect PULSAR radiation across multiple frequency ranges including gigahertz and millisecond regions. The antenna structure incorporates features that allow it to operate at different frequencies by adjusting physical dimensions and electrical properties, providing universal detection capability without requiring multiple specialized antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If semiconductors and superconductors are used as RF detectors to avoid resonance condition, then frequency adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and operational limits are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs standard microstrip patch antenna technology using conventional PCB fabrication methods rather than requiring complex semiconductor or superconductor manufacturing processes. This approach uses readily available materials and standard manufacturing techniques, significantly reducing complexity while achieving the required detection performance through proper antenna design and resonance utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 compact, efficient, and cost-effective mobile navigation systems that can use PULSAR radiation for terrestrial navigation, providing persistent and reliable positioning independent of GPS signals, with reduced antenna size and sensitivity to resonance limitations.

Implementation Method 1

the array of microantennas can be configured to detect the magnetic field components of the millisecond PULSAR radiation pulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a cryogenic cooling system for cooling the JJs to a predetermined operating temperature corresponding to the JJ material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic cooling: Cryogenics

Data Source

PatentUS10921126B2Systems and methods for navigation using PULSARs

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

Pulsating radio star (PULSAR) navigation systems and methods can include a plurality of PULSARs that can emit PULSAR radiation pulses in the millisecond range, and a plurality of Josephson Junctions (JJs) that can be arranged as an array of microantennas. The systems and methods can include a cryogenic cooling system for cooling the JJs to an operating temperature based on the JJ materials, and a thermal management system for maintaining the operating temperature. An oscillator can determine times of arrival (TOAs) of magnetic field components of the PULSAR pulses. A processor can compute the terrestrial position of the navigation system using the TOAs and the known celestial position of the PULSARs. A GPS sub-system can be included for navigation using GPS signals. The processor can be configured to compute terrestrial location using the PULSAR magnetic field components when GPS signal strength falls below a predetermined level or is lost.