Rotatable Phased Array Antenna for Direct-to-Device Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches to satellite antennas for devices lack the ability to efficiently communicate with non-terrestrial networks, particularly in under-served communities, and face challenges in obtaining strong, clean RF signals with high signal-to-noise ratio, leading to inadequate broadband access and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
An integrated non-terrestrial network direct-to-device phased array antenna is implemented in user devices, such as laptops, which can fold and rotate to track RF signals from satellites, utilizing 3GPP compliant 5G NR and LTE protocols, and switch between satellite constellations to maintain continuous connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing satellite antenna approaches are used, then device portability is maintained, but RF signal gain and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable antenna assembly that can dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the display assembly. This dynamic positioning capability allows the antenna to track satellite signals and optimize RF signal gain while maintaining portability. The rotation mechanism enables the antenna to achieve better signal-to-noise ratio by orienting itself toward the satellite, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into distinct functional components: a display assembly and a separately rotatable antenna assembly. This segmentation allows the antenna to be optimized for RF performance independently from the display structure, enabling high signal gain without compromising overall device portability. The modular design resolves the contradiction by allowing specialized optimization of each component.
2Productivity
If high gain antenna is implemented, then broadband access is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning and tracking mechanisms where the antenna rotates to acquire satellite signals and then maintains positioning only when needed for optimal signal reception. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high data capacity through targeted signal acquisition while reducing continuous power consumption compared to always-active high-gain antenna systems. The antenna can return to a neutral position when not actively communicating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including antenna orientation, rotation speed, and active scanning intervals based on communication requirements. When high data capacity is needed, the antenna adopts optimal positioning and higher gain modes. During idle periods, it reduces activity to minimize power consumption. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and energy use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed antenna orientation is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but mobility and signal tracking capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable antenna assembly that can dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the display assembly. This dynamic positioning capability allows the antenna to track satellite signals and optimize RF signal gain while maintaining portability. The rotation mechanism enables the antenna to achieve better signal-to-noise ratio by orienting itself toward the satellite, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and device simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If integrated antenna design is used, then separate user terminal hardware is eliminated, but antenna adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable antenna assembly that can dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the display assembly. This dynamic positioning capability allows the antenna to track satellite signals and optimize RF signal gain while maintaining portability. The rotation mechanism enables the antenna to achieve better signal-to-noise ratio by orienting itself toward the satellite, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and device simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can comprise a computing device comprising a keyboard portion and a monitor portion, wherein the keyboard portion and the monitor portion are physically coupled, and wherein the monitor portion is hingedly rotatable relative to the keyboard portion. The system can further comprise an antenna portion that is physically coupled with the monitor portion, wherein the antenna portion is hingedly rotatable relative to the monitor portion, and wherein the antenna portion comprises a non-terrestrial network direct-to-device phased array antenna that is configured to communicate with a non-terrestrial network vehicle.