Single Aperture Antenna for LOS and BLOS Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems in military, commercial, and civil aviation face challenges in maintaining constant communication due to line-of-sight link interruptions caused by obstacles, which often require multiple antennas, increasing aircraft weight, size, and operational costs, as well as parasitic drag.
Innovation Solution
A communications system utilizing a single common aperture with dual antenna elements for both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications, including a processor-controlled system capable of switching between different radio frequency signals and satellite communication, allowing for efficient data transfer without significant increases in size, weight, or drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna systems are used for LOS and BLOS communications, then communication reliability is improved, but aircraft weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LOS and BLOS communication antenna systems into a single integrated antenna structure. The antenna is designed with multiple radiating elements that can simultaneously support different communication modes, merging what were previously separate systems into one unified component, thereby reducing weight while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions - supporting both LOS and BLOS communication modes, as well as handling different frequency bands and signal types through a single structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated antennas for each communication mode, reducing overall system weight
2Reliability
If multiple antenna systems are used for LOS and BLOS communications, then communication reliability is improved, but aircraft size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple communication functions into a single antenna assembly, combining LOS and BLOS antenna systems that would traditionally occupy separate physical spaces. This merging reduces the overall volume required for communication systems while maintaining the capability to support both communication modes reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design incorporates nested radiating elements and sub-structures within a compact form factor. Smaller antenna elements are positioned within or alongside larger structural components, allowing multiple communication functions to be packed into a reduced overall volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna systems are used for LOS and BLOS communications, then communication capability is improved, but parasitic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple antenna systems into a single integrated structure mounted on the aircraft. This unified mounting approach reduces the total number of separate components protruding from the aircraft surface, thereby reducing parasitic drag while maintaining full communication capability across different modes
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
Enables reliable line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications using a single aperture, reducing the need for multiple antennas and associated weight and drag, while maintaining communication integrity across various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna element configured to transmit to and receive from at least one of the plurality of communications sub-systems one or more first radio frequency signals along a first directional link via the common aperture
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna element configured to transmit to and receive from the one or more low-earth orbit satellites one or more second radio frequency signals along a second directional link via the common aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system for line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications using a single aperture includes one or more operators positioned within an environment, wherein each operator includes a common aperture, one or more low-earth orbit satellites communicatively coupled to a plurality of communications sub-systems disposed on the operators. In one embodiment, the communications sub-systems may include a first antenna element to transmit and receive first radio frequency signals along a first directional link via the common aperture. In another embodiment, the communications sub-systems may include a second antenna element to transmit and receive second radio frequency signals along a second directional link via the common aperture.