Reconfigurable Antenna Array Beacon Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible antenna array structures used in airships face deformation issues due to operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies in signal reception and coherence, with existing solutions like RF phase sensing, coaxial cables, and wireless systems failing to adequately address weight and noise concerns.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna array system utilizing an adjustable beacon, element locator, beam steering unit, and fiber optic cables to determine and adjust antenna element displacements, improve signal efficiency, and power beacons with light, enabling effective communication and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If flexible antenna array structures are used to reduce weight and improve adaptability, then the array can be deployed in various environments, but the structures experience deformation under operating conditions leading to signal coherence loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable antenna array where the phase of each antenna element can be dynamically adjusted in response to detected deformations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain signal coherence despite structural changes, transforming a static rigid array into an adaptive system that compensates for deformation in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs RF beacons that continuously monitor the position and phase of antenna elements. This feedback mechanism detects deformations and triggers automatic phase adjustments through the beam steering computer, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains operational integrity under varying mechanical conditions
2Reliability
If RF phase sensing and beam steering computers are used to correct antenna element shifting, then signal coherence is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array system performs self-calibration using onboard RF beacons that illuminate the array elements. The beam steering computer automatically processes the phase information from multiple beacons and adjusts the antenna phases without external intervention, enabling the system to self-correct for deformations and maintain coherence autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The RF beacons serve multiple functions: they illuminate the antenna elements for signal reception, act as reference sources for phase measurement, and provide the data needed for deformation detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate calibration equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If traditional coaxial cable and waveguide runs are used to connect receivers to RF beacons, then signal transmission is achieved, but weight and signal quality become issues at larger distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coaxial cable and waveguide transmission system with an optical fiber-based communication system. Optical fibers transmit signals with much lower attenuation and weight, enabling long-distance connections between the receivers and RF beacons without the weight and signal quality degradation associated with traditional electromagnetic cable systems
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 maintains efficient communication and operability by accurately determining and adjusting antenna element positions, reducing weight and noise issues, and enhancing signal coherence across the array.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-responsive element coupled to the adjustable beacon and configured to power the adjustable beacon
Implementation Method 2
an element locator coupled to the antenna elements and configured to determine a location of a test element of the antenna elements with respect to a reference element of the antenna elements using RF phase sensing based upon the beacon signal
Implementation Method 3
a beam steering unit coupled between the adjustable beacon and the element locator and configured to cause the adjustable beacon to produce an adjusted beacon signal corresponding to the determined location of the test element and an antenna signal-to-noise ratio perceived by the beam steering unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for recalibrating a beacon for illuminating an antenna array, the system including an adjustable beacon configured to illuminate at least a portion of an array of antenna elements with a beacon signal, an element locator coupled to the antenna elements and configured to determine a location of a test element of the antenna elements with respect to a reference element of the antenna elements using RF phase sensing based upon the beacon signal as perceived by the test element and the reference element, a beam steering unit coupled between the adjustable beacon and the element locator and configured to cause the adjustable beacon to produce an adjusted beacon signal corresponding to the determined location of the test element and an antenna signal-to-noise ratio perceived by the beam steering unit, a photo-responsive element coupled to the adjustable beacon and configured to power the adjustable beacon, and a light source configured to illuminate the photo-responsive element.