Aerial Vehicle Radar Beam Control for Adaptive Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems on aerial vehicles are not capable of adaptive adjustment during flight, leading to safety risks due to inadequate obstacle detection in varying flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A control method and device that dynamically adjust the beam direction and width of the radar antenna based on the flight mode of the aerial vehicle, utilizing phased array technology and rotation mechanisms to ensure effective obstacle detection and avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the radar is fixedly mounted or rotates around a predetermined axis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different flight modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radar antenna is transformed from a fixed or single-axis rotating structure to a dynamically adjustable phased array system. The beam direction and width are dynamically changed by electronically controlling the phase and amplitude of signals across multiple antenna elements, allowing real-time adaptation to different flight modes without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the radar system by adjusting beam direction angles and beam width parameters based on flight modes. Different flight modes (hover, route flight, terrain-following flight, landing) correspond to different beam parameter settings, enabling adaptive obstacle detection without physical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If the radar beam direction and width are adjusted according to flight mode, then the obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic beam forming control. Instead of physically moving the antenna to change beam direction and width, the system uses electronic phase and amplitude modulation of signals across the phased array elements, achieving the same effect with greater precision and reduced mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array radar system serves multiple functions across different flight modes using the same hardware infrastructure. The control system adjusts beam parameters to handle various scenarios (hover, route flight, terrain-following flight, landing), making the system universally applicable without requiring separate detection systems for each mode.
3Reliability
If the radar performs adaptive adjustment during flight, then the safety is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system dynamically adjusts its beam parameters only when needed based on the current flight mode, rather than continuously scanning or maintaining fixed high-power operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain safety while reducing energy consumption during stable flight phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes beam parameters (direction and width) according to flight modes to optimize energy usage. For example, during route flight where obstacles are primarily ahead, the beam is concentrated in forward directions, reducing energy spread. During hover, the beam pattern is adjusted to cover relevant zones, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure in all directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method includes obtaining a flight mode of an aerial vehicle and adjusting a beam direction relative to the aerial vehicle and/or a beam width of an antenna of a radar module of the aerial vehicle according to the flight mode. The flight mode includes at least one of scent, hover, route flight, terrain-following flight, or landing.