Radar Antenna Direction Measurement with Magnetic Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radar antenna devices face challenges in accurately measuring direction due to the influence of magnetism from surrounding components, particularly when movable components are present, leading to increased costs with GPS compasses and inaccuracies with magnetic direction measurement devices.

Innovation Solution

A radar antenna device integrating a magnetic direction measurement part within the housing, which includes a magnetic detector, direction calculator, and correction value generator to calculate direction by detecting geomagnetism and correcting for antenna rotation effects, ensuring accurate direction measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a GPS compass is used for direction measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive GPS compass with a magnetic direction measurement device that uses inexpensive magnetic sensors. Although magnetic sensors are more susceptible to interference, the system achieves acceptable measurement accuracy through software-based correction methods, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining functional adequacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/GPS-based direction measurement system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. By using magnetic sensors to detect geomagnetic field directions and applying computational correction for interference, the system replaces expensive hardware with a combination of inexpensive sensors and signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If a magnetic direction measurement device is used to reduce cost, then device cost decreases, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to magnetism from surrounding components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoiddirection measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the magnetic direction measurement device continuously monitors magnetic field conditions, and the system applies real-time correction based on detected interference patterns. The correction process uses feedback from the raw measurements to adjust and compensate for magnetic interference from surrounding components, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters of magnetic field data by applying correction algorithms that adjust the raw magnetic measurements. By modifying how the magnetic data is processed and interpreted through computational correction, the system compensates for interference effects and maintains measurement precision despite the presence of magnetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable components are present in the radar device, then device functionality is improved, but magnetic interference changes with time making correction difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddirection measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic correction methods where the magnetic interference compensation is not static but continuously adapts to changing conditions. As movable components change position and magnetic interference patterns evolve over time, the system dynamically adjusts correction parameters based on real-time measurements, allowing the correction to track and compensate for time-varying interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic measurement and correction cycles where the magnetic direction is measured at regular intervals and correction is applied systematically. By using periodic action to repeatedly measure and correct magnetic interference, the system maintains accuracy despite time-varying conditions caused by movable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides an inexpensive and compact radar antenna device with high accuracy in direction measurement, capable of correcting for antenna rotation influences and maintaining measurement precision even when the device is mounted on moving bodies.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic direction measurement part accommodated in the housing and measures a direction by magnetism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11255950B2Radar antenna device, and method for measuring direction

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

An inexpensive and compact antenna device having a direction measurement function is provided. A radar antenna device includes a radome, an antenna, and a magnetic direction measurement part. The antenna transmits and receives a radio wave while rotating inside the radome. The magnetic direction measurement part is accommodated in the radome, and measures a direction of the radar antenna device based on the detected magnetism.