Satellite Feed Array Positioning for Adaptive Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication architectures face limitations in flexibility and adaptability, particularly in terms of spot beam coverage area, user terminal location, and capacity allocation, which can be inflexible and unable to accommodate changes in service coverage area or user demands.
Innovation Solution
A communications satellite system with a phased array of antenna feed elements and a reflector, equipped with actuators to adjust the relative position between the feed array and reflector, allowing for dynamic changes in native antenna patterns to adapt coverage areas and beamforming, enabling flexible allocation of capacity and beam positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spot beam coverage areas are used with traditional satellite architectures, then the system provides stable and reliable coverage, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to changes in service coverage area or user terminal locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capabilities that allow the satellite to electronically adjust and reconfigure spot beam coverage areas in real-time. The system transitions from fixed, static beam patterns to dynamically adjustable beams that can be steered and reshaped electronically to accommodate changing service requirements and user terminal locations without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including beam direction, beam width, and coverage area boundaries through electronic control. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the satellite can adapt its service coverage to match varying user demands and orbital positions while maintaining system stability through controlled parameter transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional satellite architectures with fixed capacity allocation are used, then the system maintains operational stability, but it cannot accommodate changes in user demands or reconfigure service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation mechanisms that allow capacity and beam positions to be reconfigured in real-time based on user demand. The system maintains reliability through controlled dynamic adjustments, using electronic beamforming and resource management algorithms that ensure stable operation during transitions while adapting to changing service requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the satellite uses fixed orbital position and coverage area configuration, then the system achieves stable signal transmission, but it cannot adapt to orbital position changes or dynamic service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam direction, coverage area boundaries, and resource allocation parameters in response to orbital position changes. By electronically reconfiguring these parameters, the satellite maintains stable signal transmission and service quality even as its orbital position varies, eliminating the need for complex mechanical repositioning while preserving operational simplicity.
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
The system provides enhanced flexibility in adjusting spot beam coverage areas, user terminal locations, and capacity allocation, accommodating changes in orbital position and user demands, thereby improving the adaptability and efficiency of satellite communications.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array of antenna feed elements and a reflector
Implementation Method 2
a phased array of antenna feed elements and a reflector
Implementation Method 3
equipped with actuators to adjust the relative position between the feed array and reflector
Implementation Method 4
allowing for dynamic changes in native antenna patterns to adapt coverage areas and beamforming
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The described features generally relate to adjusting a native antenna pattern of a satellite to adapt communications via the satellite. For example, a communications satellite may include an antenna having a feed array assembly, a reflector, and a linear actuator coupled between the feed array assembly and the reflector. The feed array assembly may have a plurality of feeds for communicating signals associated with a communications service, and the reflector may be configured to reflect the signals transmitted between the feed array assembly and one or more target devices. The linear actuator may have an adjustable length, or otherwise provide an adjustable position between the feed array assembly and the reflector. By adjusting the position of the feed array assembly relative to the reflector, the communications satellite may provide a communications service according to a plurality of native antenna patterns.