Rotatable Antenna Base for Naval Topsides Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of omnidirectional antennas in confined spaces, such as naval topsides, faces challenges including limited available space, interference between transmission and reception antennas, and the need for unobstructed 360° field of view while maintaining electromagnetic isolation and lightning protection without compromising system stability or increasing mass and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact integrated antenna arrangement featuring a rotatable pole and base system that allows for the placement of omnidirectional and directional antennas without obstructing each other's views, providing electromagnetic isolation and lightning protection while optimizing space usage and minimizing mass and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional antennas are installed in a top position to provide 360° coverage, then omnidirectional communication capability is improved, but available space is reduced and interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal planar arrangement to vertical three-dimensional stacking of antennas. Multiple omnidirectional antennas are arranged vertically at different heights along the support structure, allowing each antenna to maintain its 360° azimuth coverage while vertical separation prevents mutual blocking and reduces interference, thus resolving the space conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable base that enables the directional antenna to dynamically adjust its orientation and track targets. This dynamic positioning allows the directional antenna to operate independently from the fixed omnidirectional antennas, reducing interference while maintaining communication versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are placed in confined space to increase system capability, then antenna coverage is improved, but electromagnetic interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging antennas vertically in the third dimension rather than horizontally, the patent achieves spatial separation that reduces electromagnetic coupling and interference between omnidirectional antennas, while maintaining comprehensive coverage through their stacked configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable base acts as an intermediary mechanism that dynamically positions the directional antenna to minimize interference with omnidirectional antennas while maintaining system coverage capability.
3Measurement precision
If directional antenna is added to enhance targeting capability, then detection precision is improved, but it may obstruct the view of omnidirectional antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The directional antenna is positioned on a rotatable base that operates in the horizontal plane, while omnidirectional antennas are arranged vertically. This dimensional separation allows the directional antenna to rotate and track targets without permanently blocking omnidirectional coverage, as the omnidirectional antennas remain vertically distributed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable base enables the directional antenna to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, allowing it to track specific targets while minimizing obstruction to omnidirectional antennas. The dynamic positioning ensures that detection precision is improved without permanently compromising omnidirectional coverage.
4Reliability
If lightning protection structure is installed to protect against lightning, then system reliability is improved, but it may block the free field of view of antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection structure is integrated into the vertical support structure rather than being placed as a separate horizontal element. This vertical integration allows the lightning protection to function without creating horizontal obstructions that would block the free field of view of omnidirectional antennas.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an antenna arrangement (10) comprising a directional antenna assembly (2), the directional antenna assembly comprising a directional antenna (22) intended to be mounted on an interface (50) delimited by a stationary support structure (5), the directional antenna generally extending according to a main axis (11) perpendicular to the plane defined by said interface, wherein the antenna arrangement (10) further comprises a rotatable base (3) mounted on said interface, said rotatable base (3) comprising a pole (40) integral with said rotatable base (3), said pole extending in the direction of said main axis, said rotatable base (3) being rotatable about the main axis 11, a rotation of said rotatable base actuating the rotation of the pole (40) about the main axis.