Scanning Polarized RF Reference Sources for Munitions Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current angular orientation sensors for mobile platforms, such as munitions and UAVs, face limitations including noise, drift errors, high power requirements, and difficulty in measuring orientation in non-line-of-sight conditions, especially for high-G environments and long-range guidance.
Innovation Solution
The use of scanning polarized RF reference sources with novel nonlinear signal processing methods, such as curve matching and scaling, allows for precise angular orientation measurement independent of signal magnitude calibration, enabling operation in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight settings and reducing noise and environmental effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyros) are used to measure angular orientation, then position and orientation information can be provided onboard, but noise and drift error accumulation occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polarized RF reference sources as intermediary elements that mediate between the mobile platform and the measurement system. These external reference sources provide a stable angular orientation reference that the onboard sensor uses to correct its measurements, eliminating drift error accumulation while maintaining continuous onboard measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the onboard sensor measurements against the angular orientation information derived from polarized RF reference sources. This feedback loop allows real-time correction of drift errors and noise accumulation, maintaining measurement precision over extended periods
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for angular position measurement, then direct measurement of relative angular orientation is achieved, but operation is limited to line-of-sight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with a radio frequency-based system using polarized RF reference sources. This substitution eliminates the line-of-sight constraint inherent in optical systems while maintaining the ability to directly measure relative angular orientation, enabling operation in non-line-of-sight and adverse environmental conditions
3Measurement precision
If GPS is used for position initialization, then position information can be obtained, but GPS cannot be used to initialize gyros
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal initialization system using polarized RF reference sources that can simultaneously initialize both position (like GPS) and angular orientation (like gyros). This multi-functional reference source replaces the need for separate initialization methods, enabling comprehensive sensor calibration in environments where GPS may be unavailable
4Measurement precision
If signal magnitude information is used for angular orientation measurement, then measurement can be made, but measurement accuracy degrades when object is not in line-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal magnitude to angular orientation directly derived from polarized RF reference sources. By measuring the angle of arrival or polarization orientation rather than signal strength, the system achieves accurate angular orientation measurements independent of distance, line-of-sight conditions, or environmental signal degradation
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
This approach significantly enhances angular orientation measurement precision, reduces noise and error accumulation, and allows for accurate position and orientation determination without requiring distance measurement, making it suitable for high-G and long-range applications.
Implementation Method 1
scanning polarized RF reference sources
Implementation Method 2
polarized RF reference sources
Implementation Method 3
polarized RF angular orientation sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an angular orientation of a sensor relative to a source. The method including: amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency; detecting the scanning polarized RF reference source at the sensor; and using peak detection or pattern matching analysis on a signal detected at the sensor to determine the angular orientation of the sensor relative to scanning polarized RF reference source.