Removable Steering System for Satellite Antenna Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of existing steering systems for steerable devices, such as satellite antennas, require trained technicians for installation, making them costly and inefficient for initial deployment and subsequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A removable steering system comprising a housing, drive actuators, and a controller that receives satellite location data to generate positional instructions for the actuators, allowing for manual or automatic steering of steerable devices, including satellite antennas, with the option to communicate with external computing devices for user interface and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a permanently attached steering apparatus is used to point a steerable device, then the device can be steered automatically, but the cost of the system becomes prohibitive and requires trained technicians for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering system into separate components: a removable driver module that can be detached from the steerable device (satellite dish). This segmentation allows the steering functionality to be provided temporarily during installation and adjustment, then removed or reused on other devices, significantly reducing the overall system cost and eliminating the need for permanently attached complex steering apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The driver module is designed as a low-cost, removable component that can be used temporarily during installation and adjustment. Rather than requiring expensive permanent steering mechanisms, the system uses an affordable driver module that performs the steering function when needed and can then be removed or reused, making the overall system cost-effective for consumer applications
2Measurement precision
If a trained technician is used to install and point the satellite dish, then accurate alignment with the satellite is achieved, but the deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to perform their own satellite dish installation and alignment without requiring trained technicians. The removable driver module provides automated or semi-automated steering control that guides users through the alignment process, allowing ordinary consumers to achieve proper satellite alignment independently, thereby eliminating technician installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as signal strength indicators or alignment guidance) that provide real-time information to users during the alignment process. This feedback enables users to adjust the dish position accurately and determine when optimal satellite alignment is achieved, ensuring measurement precision without requiring trained technicians
3Device complexity
If a removable steering system is used, then the system cost is reduced and installation becomes simpler, but the steering precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The driver module is pre-configured with satellite orbital data, positioning information, and control algorithms before being attached to the steerable device. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the module is installed, it can immediately provide accurate steering control without requiring complex on-site configuration, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping the system simple and low-cost
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices configurable with, for example, the location and motion of satellites can be configured to drive actuators connected to the motion of a steerable device. A steerable device may be augmented, for example, with gears or drivers to drive orientation, sensors to report current position and a mechanism to lock the device in place for the duration of the steering process such that power gears from the device mesh and can drive gears in the steerable device. Signals from the device intelligently guide the actuators to steer the orientation of the steerable device towards a satellite selected by a person or algorithm. Upon completion of the steering of steerable device by the device, the device can be detached, leaving the steerable device locked in place and fully functional as a steerable device, while also leaving the device capable if engaging with another similarly steerable device.