Rotatable Directional Antennae for Micro-UAV Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies are inadequate for reliably detecting and locating small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as micro-UAVs, due to their small size and difficulty in determining elevation using static non-directional antennae, posing safety risks near airports and sensitive locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more statically deployed scanning apparatuses with directional antennae configured to rotate in orthogonal planes, which receive and process radio frequency signals to determine the bearing and elevation of micro-UAVs, allowing for triangulation to accurately locate them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static non-directional antennae are used, then the detection system is simple to deploy, but the measurement precision of UAV location (especially elevation) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotatable scanning apparatuses that dynamically change their orientation in space. The first array rotates about a vertical axis while the second array rotates about a horizontal axis, transforming static antennae into dynamic scanning systems. This dynamic configuration enables precise determination of both azimuth and elevation angles, directly resolving the measurement precision problem while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational dimensions to the antenna system. By adding rotation about vertical and horizontal axes, the system transitions from a static two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional scanning capability. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture signal strength variations from multiple angular perspectives, enabling accurate three-dimensional location determination of UAVs.
2Measurement precision
If directional antennae that rotate in orthogonal planes are used, then the bearing and elevation detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two separate rotatable arrays: the first array rotates about a vertical axis to detect azimuth, while the second array rotates about a horizontal axis to detect elevation. This segmentation of scanning functions into orthogonal rotational planes allows each array to specialize in one angular dimension, improving measurement precision while keeping individual rotation mechanisms relatively simple and manageable.
3Reliability
If multiple scanning apparatuses are deployed, then the reliability of UAV detection increases, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scanning apparatuses into a coordinated system where each apparatus performs identical rotational scanning functions. By merging the detection capabilities of multiple apparatuses and processing their signals together, the system achieves enhanced reliability through redundancy and cross-verification, while the standardized design of each unit keeps individual complexity manageable.
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
This method effectively detects and locates micro-UAVs, enhancing safety by providing accurate location data for air traffic control and security measures to prevent collisions and potential threats.
Implementation Method 1
Radio frequency signals emitted by a UAV can be received at each of the two scanning apparatuses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are examples of systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products for locating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A region of airspace may be scanned with two scanning apparatuses. Each scanning apparatus may include one or more directional Radio Frequency (RF) antennae. The two scanning apparatuses may have different locations. Radio frequency signals emitted by a UAV can be received at each of the two scanning apparatuses. The received radio frequency signals can be processed to determine a first location of the UAV.