Satellite-Tracking Antenna Stabilization via Dynamic Elevation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional satellite-tracking antennas face challenges in maintaining communication quality due to the 'keyhole problem', where the antenna struggles to precisely face satellites at high elevation angles, leading to tracking errors and increased power consumption, weight, and reduced stability.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize an antenna driving unit, point detecting unit, elevation measuring unit, and controller to adjust the azimuth and elevation motors based on maximum satellite reception signal amplitude, preventing the keyhole problem by optimizing motor control and avoiding high elevation angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the elevation is increased equal to or greater than a particular value to avoid the keyhole problem, then the keyhole problem is avoided, but the driving of the antenna may be stopped and tracking error increases, whereby communication quality cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of keyhole problemVSAvoidtracking error
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the elevation angle by continuously adjusting it based on real-time satellite position information and reception signal quality. The system transitions from a static fixed elevation angle to a dynamic adjustable elevation angle that adapts to changing conditions, allowing the antenna to maintain optimal tracking without entering the keyhole problem zone while ensuring communication quality is preserved through active signal quality monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the number of driving motors is increased to solve the keyhole problem, then the keyhole problem is solved, but the height and volume of the antenna increase as well as power consumption and weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of keyhole problemVSAvoidantenna weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent solves the keyhole problem by changing the operational parameters (elevation angle limits and driving torque characteristics) rather than adding hardware components. The system modifies the elevation angle range to avoid problematic zones and adjusts the driving torque parameters to compensate for the reduced degree of freedom, thereby eliminating the need for additional motors while maintaining system reliability and avoiding increased weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the number of driving motors is increased to solve the keyhole problem, then the keyhole problem is solved, but the height and volume of the antenna increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of keyhole problemVSAvoidantenna volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent avoids increasing antenna volume by implementing software-based parameter adjustments rather than hardware expansion. The system modifies elevation angle operational limits and driving control parameters to prevent keyhole problems, eliminating the need for additional motors that would increase the antenna's physical dimensions while maintaining effective satellite tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the number of driving motors is increased to solve the keyhole problem, then the keyhole problem is solved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of keyhole problemVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces power consumption by optimizing the driving torque parameters and elevation angle control rather than adding more motors. The system adjusts operational parameters to work efficiently within the existing motor capabilities, avoiding the increased energy demand that would result from operating multiple high-power motors simultaneously while still effectively preventing keyhole problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10020575B2Apparatus and method for controlling stabilization of satellite-tracking antenna
Publication Date: 2018.07.10 AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEV
  • US10020575B2 patent drawing
  • US10020575B2 patent drawing
  • US10020575B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for controlling stabilization of a satellite-tracking antenna, the apparatus including: an antenna driving unit driving the antenna to track a satellite based on preset satellite position information and position information collected by an inertia sensor and an encoder; a point detecting unit detecting a point where an amplitude of a satellite reception signal is maximum; an elevation measuring unit measuring an elevation value corresponding to the point; and a controller controlling an azimuth motor and an elevation motor to enable the antenna to face the point, when the measured value is out of a first range, the controller controlling the azimuth motor to have an azimuth value corresponding to the point and controlling the elevation motor to have an elevation value less than the measured value corresponding to the point, when the measured value is in the first range.