Rotating Antenna Communication via Axial Displacement Sensor Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbines, thermal expansion of the rotating shaft causes the rotating antenna to move away from stationary antennae, leading to reduced signal strength and potential loss of communication link, especially due to limitations in signal strength and power, making it difficult to maintain an uninterrupted communication link between the rotating antenna and multiple stationary antennae.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize axial displacement sensors to determine the axial displacement of the rotating antenna and automatically select a suitable stationary antenna from an array for communication, ensuring an uninterrupted link by activating the appropriate antenna based on real-time measurements, thereby maintaining communication across an air gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stationary antenna is used to communicate with the rotating antenna, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of communication is worsened due to thermal expansion causing loss of communication link
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication function across multiple stationary antennas positioned at different axial locations. Instead of relying on a single antenna, the communication path is segmented into multiple potential connection points along the axial direction, ensuring that at least one antenna maintains optimal proximity to the rotating antenna despite thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which stationary antenna to use for communication based on real-time measurements of the rotating antenna's axial position. The controller continuously monitors displacement and adjusts the active communication antenna accordingly, making the system adaptive to thermal expansion rather than static.
2Reliability
If multiple stationary antennae are deployed to maintain communication during thermal expansion, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stationary antennas are designed with identical structures and functions, each capable of performing the same communication task. This universality allows the system to switch between antennas without requiring different types or configurations, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates displacement sensors that continuously measure the axial position of the rotating antenna and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables automatic selection of the optimal stationary antenna based on real-time conditions, reducing the need for complex manual configuration or oversight.
3Reliability
If the rotating antenna position is monitored and stationary antenna is switched based on displacement, then the communication link reliability is improved, but the device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement sensor acts as an intermediary that translates the physical position of the rotating antenna into electrical signals that the controller can process. This intermediary component simplifies the control logic by providing direct, measurable data about antenna position, enabling automatic switching without complex calculations or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual monitoring and switching of antennas with an automated electromechanical system. Displacement sensors and electronic controllers substitute for manual observation and physical switching, reducing operational complexity while improving reliability through continuous automatic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for communicating a signal between a rotating antenna and a plurality of stationary antennae based on an axial displacement of the rotating antenna are provided. In one example, the method can include obtaining one or more measurements of an axial displacement of the rotating antenna from one or more axial displacement sensors. The method can further include determining a selected stationary antenna from the plurality of stationary antennae based at least in part on the measurements of an axial displacement of the rotating antenna. The method can further include activating the selected stationary antenna to communicate a signal with the rotating antenna. The method can further include communicating a signal between the rotating antenna and the selected stationary antenna.