Rotating Multi-Beam Antenna With Radial Turret Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radar scanning systems are complex, large, heavy, and costly, making them less desirable for applications requiring elegant, small, and low-cost solutions.
Innovation Solution
A radar-scanning system comprising a signal generator, radially distributed antennas about a rotatable turret or nose-cone, and an image processor, where each antenna directs and senses electromagnetic beams at different azimuthal angles, sweeping conical figures to determine object directions, ranges, and velocities within a field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radar scanning systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but system complexity, size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements radially distributed around the rotational axis. Each antenna element operates independently to detect electromagnetic waves from different azimuthal directions, replacing the need for a single complex scanning mechanism with multiple simpler, identical components that can be easily manufactured and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-axis radar scanning to a three-dimensional radial antenna configuration. By distributing antennas in multiple dimensions around the rotational axis and utilizing both radial and azimuthal angle variations, the system achieves comprehensive spatial coverage without requiring complex mechanical scanning mechanisms
2Reliability
If traditional radar scanning systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements radially distributed around the rotational axis. Each antenna element operates independently to detect electromagnetic waves from different azimuthal directions, replacing the need for a single complex scanning mechanism with multiple simpler, identical components that can be easily manufactured and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter from traditional linear or planar configuration to a three-dimensional radial distribution around a rotational axis. This parameter change allows the system to achieve omnidirectional detection capability while maintaining a compact form factor, as the antennas are distributed around a central point rather than extending in a single direction
3Measurement precision
If multiple antennas with different azimuthal beam angles are radially distributed, then spatial imaging resolution and detection range improve, but antenna count and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements radially distributed around the rotational axis. Each antenna element operates independently to detect electromagnetic waves from different azimuthal directions, replacing the need for a single complex scanning mechanism with multiple simpler, identical components that can be easily manufactured and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the antenna array around the rotational axis to systematically scan different spatial sectors. This periodic action allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage and high-resolution imaging through time-sequential sampling of electromagnetic waves from different directions, transforming a potentially complex simultaneous multi-directional detection problem into a simpler temporal sequence of detections
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 provides a compact, cost-effective radar scanning capability with improved spatial imaging resolution and detection range, balancing antenna count with image quality and detection range tradeoffs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of antennas is electrically connected to the signal generator so as to receive an electromagnetic signal that causes the antenna to direct an electromagnetic beam
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of antennas senses a reflected portion of the electromagnetic beam reflected from objects within the field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to using a plurality of antennas radially distributed about a rotatable turret to sequentially scan a field of view. Each of the plurality of antennas directs an electromagnetic beam and senses its reflection along a principal direction defined by a roll position of the rotatable turret and an azimuthal beam angle. The principal directions of the antennas have a unique azimuthal beam angle relative to a boresight (i.e., axis of rotation). As the turret rotates, each of these antennas is sequentially turned on at a first roll position and off at a second roll position. This enables electromagnetic beams generated by the antennas to pan a scene both in azimuth and roll. An image processor then determines, based on the reflected signals received by the plurality of antennas, directions to and/or velocities of objects within the scanned field of view.