Steerable Antenna Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable antennas face challenges in achieving high angular acceleration and wide conical angles while minimizing mechanical aberrations and maintaining structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to limitations in sensor placement and mechanical construction which affect the performance of existing electromechanical movement and support systems.
Innovation Solution
The steerable antenna design features a base with a first motor attached to the base, a driven pulley connected to the first motor, and a second motor attached to the pulley to rotate the payload around a second axis, with a support bracket and belt transmission system that allows for perpendicular rotation axes and reduces mechanical complexity, using servomotors and a compact structure to optimize space and reduce radio frequency interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed close to the payload with rigid connections, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cone angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical intermediate control system with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the payload interact with corresponding magnets in the base through magnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages while maintaining precise positioning and measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the base and payload. This magnetic coupling mechanism allows for precise sensor placement and communication without direct mechanical contact, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If motors are positioned away from the payload, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling between motors and payload with magnetic coupling. The magnets in the payload interact with magnets in the base through magnetic fields, eliminating mechanical linkages that cause wear, backlash, and aberrations while maintaining reliable power and motion transmission.
3Device complexity
If a belt transmission system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but transversal rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the belt transmission system with direct magnetic coupling between the base and payload. This eliminates the flexible belt that compromises rigidity while maintaining the simplified structure. The magnetic field provides a rigid connection without mechanical transmission components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steerable antenna (1) is described, comprising: - an orientable payload (4,5); - an electromechanical movement and support system (6-10) operatively connected to the payload (4, 5) and adapted to orient the payload in a controlled manner, said electromechanical system comprising a base (6), a first motor (7) attached to the base (6), a driven pulley (8) operatively connected to the first motor (7) for being rotated around a first rotation axis, a second motor (9) operatively connected to the driven pulley (8) and operatively connected to the payload (4, 5) for rotating the payload around a second rotation axis. The steerable antenna (1) further comprises an electromechanical movement and support system (6-10) further comprises a support bracket (10) stably fixed to the base (6) to which the second motor (9) is pivotably hinged and wherein the driven pulley (8) is operatively connected to the second motor (9) for rotating the second motor (9) in relation to the base (6) and in relation to the support bracket (10).