Site-Roll Radar Pointing With Electronic Third-Axis Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar antennas for self-guided missiles face challenges in maintaining precise pointing directions due to singular points at zero site, which hinder effective target tracking, especially when targets are close to the missile's axis, and require bulky mechanical solutions that are costly and unsuitable for missile integration.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a tertiary pivoting device allows for electronic scanning around an additional axis, eliminating the singular point and enabling continuous, precise pointing by phase shifting waves, thereby reducing the need for mechanical organs and minimizing space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional elevation-roll control is used to pivot the antenna pointing direction around two axes, then the radar can track targets, but a singular point exists at zero elevation making it impossible to follow movements of targets close to the missile axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tertiary pivot axis (azimuth axis) in addition to the existing roll and elevation axes, transforming the two-axis pivoting system into a three-axis system. This additional dimension allows the antenna to compensate for the singular point limitation by providing an extra degree of freedom for positioning, enabling continuous tracking of targets near the missile axis without the infinite roll speed requirement.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical pivoting devices are used to achieve precise antenna pointing control, then the radar can maintain accurate target acquisition, but the radar volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pivoting mechanisms with electronic phase shifting techniques for achieving antenna beam steering. By using phase shifters to electronically control the beam direction instead of physically moving mechanical components, the system maintains precise pointing control while significantly reducing the radar's volume and mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified three-axis pivoting system that can simultaneously perform roll compensation, elevation scanning, and azimuth positioning. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical devices for each function, reducing overall system volume and complexity while maintaining precise pointing capability.
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 configuration enables better target tracking, reduces motorization, and minimizes the radar's volume, allowing for compact and reliable operation within the constraints of a missile's space.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver antenna (32) for the emission of an electromagnetic wave emitted in a pointing direction (P) and for the reception of a received electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
The introduction of a tertiary pivoting device allows for electronic scanning around an additional axis, eliminating the singular point and enabling continuous, precise pointing by phase shifting waves
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
This radar (20), which is intended for a system (16) for autonomously guiding a platform, comprises a frame (30), a transceiver antenna (32) for emitting and receiving an electromagnetic wave emitted in a pointing direction (P), and a pointing system (38) for modifying the orientation of the pointing direction (P) relative to the frame (30). The pointing system (38) comprises a primary pivoting device (60) for pivoting the pointing direction (P) relative to the frame (30) about a primary axis (R-R'), a secondary pivoting device (62) for pivoting the pointing direction (P) relative to the frame (30) about a secondary axis (S-S') orthogonal to the primary axis (R-R'), and a tertiary pivoting device (64) for pivoting the pointing direction (P) relative to the frame (30) about a tertiary axis (G-G') orthogonal to the secondary axis (S-S'). The tertiary pivoting device (64) is formed by a module for electronically scanning around the tertiary axis (G-G').