SATCOM Antenna Heading Correction via Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radio navigation aids like GPS are susceptible to jamming, leading to inertial system drift and inaccurate heading observations in aircraft, especially in GPS-denied environments, which degrades the pointing solution and connectivity of satellite communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes SATCOM signal tracking strength to provide independent heading observations, feeding this information back to the inertial reference unit to correct for drift and maintain a valid heading, even in the absence of GPS signals, using a combination of SATCOM and inertial navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GPS-based radio navigation aids are used for determining aircraft heading, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to jamming and signal loss in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SATCOM signal tracking strength as an intermediary measurement to indirectly determine heading information. Instead of directly relying on GPS signals, the system uses the strength of satellite communication signals received by a moving antenna as a mediator to infer heading accuracy, thereby maintaining reliability in GPS-denied environments while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based radio navigation system with a SATCOM-based alternative. By substituting the mechanical/electronic GPS reception system with a satellite communication signal tracking system, the invention eliminates vulnerability to GPS jamming while maintaining the ability to determine heading observations through signal strength measurements
2Adaptability or versatility
If inertial navigation systems operate independently without external GPS updates, then autonomy is improved, but inertial drift accumulates causing heading accuracy to deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where SATCOM signal tracking strength measurements are continuously fed back to monitor and assess inertial drift. The system uses the correlation between antenna pointing accuracy and SATCOM signal strength to detect drift accumulation, enabling the inertial system to maintain precision by detecting and correcting for drift through continuous feedback from the SATCOM channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SATCOM system serve multiple functions: it provides both communication capabilities and navigation/heading observation functions. By making the SATCOM system universal, it can operate independently of GPS while providing continuous heading information, thus maintaining both autonomy and precision through a single multi-functional system
3Device complexity
If satellite communication antennas are kept stationary relative to the aircraft, then system complexity is reduced, but beam tracking accuracy deteriorates during aircraft maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna positioning control with the inertial reference system. By combining the SATCOM antenna mounting system with the aircraft's existing inertial navigation platform, the invention enables the antenna to move with the aircraft while maintaining relative positioning accuracy. This merging allows beam tracking to remain accurate during maneuvers without requiring a completely separate complex positioning system
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method (100, 200, 300) for operating a communication system for a vehicle, comprising a directed communication receiver (42) configured to output a signal related to beam tracking strength, an inertial reference module (46) configured to receive the beam tracking strength and provide a heading observation (68a, 68b) based thereon. At least one indicator (90) communicably coupled with the inertial reference module (46) to provide an indication related to the heading (36) of the vehicle.