Adjustable Radar Antenna Height for Meteorological Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems for detecting sea targets face challenges in achieving optimal detection range due to varying meteorological conditions, particularly subrefraction and ducting effects that cause radar beams to curve and result in partial or missed detection of targets.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable radar antenna system with an antenna mast, sensors for detecting subrefraction and evaporation duct layers, and an evaluation device to determine optimal antenna height for maximum detection range, allowing the radar antenna to be shifted via an elevator to ensure optimal performance across different meteorological conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed antenna height is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection range and reliability deteriorate under varying meteorological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic antenna height adjustment mechanism that allows the radar antenna to be repositioned vertically based on detected meteorological conditions. The antenna can be moved between at least two different heights using an elevation mechanism, transforming the static fixed-height system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to subrefraction and ducting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of antenna height in response to detected atmospheric conditions. When subrefraction or ducting is detected by sensors, the antenna height parameter is adjusted to optimize the radar beam propagation path, thereby maintaining reliable detection despite varying meteorological conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed antenna height is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the detection range deteriorates under subrefraction and ducting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting meteorological conditions through integrated sensors and autonomously repositioning the antenna to optimal heights. The system monitors atmospheric parameters and independently determines when and how to adjust antenna elevation without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining extended detection range under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure gradients) and provide data to the control system. Based on this feedback, the antenna height is automatically adjusted to compensate for subrefraction and ducting effects, ensuring optimal detection range is maintained despite changing environmental conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If meteorological conditions vary, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: the same antenna structure serves both radar emission and height adjustment purposes, while integrated sensors perform both atmospheric monitoring and trigger antenna repositioning. The elevation mechanism serves dual purposes of optimizing radar performance and adapting to different meteorological conditions, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced adaptability.
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
The system ensures reliable detection of sea targets by adjusting the radar antenna height to avoid detection holes and achieve a higher detection range, enhancing security by optimizing radar performance under varying meteorological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
When detecting sea targets using radar, it has been shown that the range of the radar radiation emitted by a radar antenna depends heavily on the prevailing meteorological conditions.
Implementation Method 2
One source of error in radar measurements is the variability in the density of the atmosphere. The density is determined, among other things, by temperature, humidity and pressure. This affects the speed and direction of the radar reading. As the density increases, the propagation of the waves slows down, and as the density decreases, the speed of the waves increases. This phenomenon causes the radar beam to curve.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for adjusting the height above sea level (S) of a radar antenna, comprising an antenna mast (2), a radar antenna (3) wherein the radar antenna (3) is arranged to be vertically displaceable on the antenna mast (2), a first input interface (4) configured to receive a first sensor signal (6a) corresponding to the presence of a subrefraction layer above sea level (S) and to the height and thickness of the subrefraction layer above sea level (S), a second input interface (5) configured to receive a second sensor signal (7a) corresponding to the presence of an evaporation duct layer above sea level (S) and to the height and thickness of the evaporation duct layer above sea level (S), and an evaluation device (9) configured to determine an antenna height above sea level (S) based on the first sensor signal (6a) and the second sensor signal (7a).which corresponds to a maximum detection range of the radar antenna (3), an output interface (10) configured to output a control signal (10a) that causes the radar antenna (3) to be moved to the antenna height determined by the evaluation unit (9). The invention further relates to a corresponding method for setting the height above sea level (S) of a radar antenna.