Single-Transmitter Multi-Receiver Radar for Geological Layer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar technologies for detecting geological structures on extraterrestrial planets suffer from limitations such as low signal quality, narrow bandwidth, poor resolution, and inaccurate thickness measurements due to the use of duplex antennas and limited detection channels, which hinder the exploration of regolith thickness and mineral resource estimation.
Innovation Solution
A single-transmitter and multiple-receiver (STMR) radar system using ultra-wideband carrier-free pulse signals with two detection channels operating in different frequency bands (HF/VHF and UHF) to accurately measure the thickness and dielectric coefficient of geological layers by establishing equations based on echo signal data from multiple receiving antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a duplex antenna with one receiving channel is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of geological layer thickness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single receiving channel into multiple receiving channels (first receiving channel and second receiving channel) with different central frequencies. This segmentation allows each channel to independently measure different geological layers, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension by using receiving channels with different central frequencies (first central frequency and second central frequency). This dimensional change enables the system to distinguish and measure different geological layers that would be indistinguishable with a single frequency channel.
2Device complexity
If a single-transmitter and single-receiver radar is used, then the device complexity is low, but the depth resolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by introducing multiple receiving channels with different central frequencies. Each frequency channel provides complementary depth resolution information, allowing the system to achieve high depth resolution without requiring a complex multi-transmitter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by using receiving channels with different central frequencies. This parameter change enables the system to resolve different depth ranges effectively, improving depth resolution while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If narrow band radar is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection resolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum by using multiple receiving channels, each with a narrow bandwidth but different central frequencies. This segmentation approach achieves wide effective coverage and high detection resolution without requiring each individual channel to have complex wide-band design.
4Device complexity
If limited detection channels are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of geological measurement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple receiving channels with different frequencies. This segmentation provides redundant measurement paths, improving the reliability of geological measurements without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the echo signals from multiple receiving channels to cross-validate measurements. By comparing results from different frequency channels, the system improves measurement reliability through a form of feedback verification.
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
The STMR radar system provides high-resolution, accurate, and reliable detection of geological structures and regolith thickness, enabling detailed exploration of extraterrestrial surfaces and sub-surface layers with improved depth resolution and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
step A: emitting an electromagnetic pulse to underground of the extraterrestrial solid planet by a transmitting antenna T1
Implementation Method 2
step B: receiving an echo signal that reflected from a first geological interface by n receiving antennas (R1, R2, R3)
Implementation Method 3
the first equation is associated with a propagation time and a transmission speed of the electromagnetic pulse signal and a thickness of the first geological layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method and a system for detecting geological structure of an extraterrestrial solid planet by using a single-transmitter and multiple-receiver (STMR) radar are provided. According to the method, the detection of thickness distribution and geological structure of each geological layer on the extraterrestrial solid planet can be obtained by using a single-transmitter and multiple-receiver mode. Then information of the dielectric coefficients and the depth of the respective geological layer can be calculated accurately. Further, in the system, there are two detection channels, in which a first detection channel CH1 operates in a HF/VHF band for detecting geological structure of rocks on the extraterrestrial solid planet with a depth of detection over 100 meters and a depth resolution of several meters, and a second detection channel CH2 operates in a UHF band for detecting geological structure of regolith on the extraterrestrial solid planet with a depths of over 30 meters and a depth resolution less than 30cm. These two detection channels can cooperate with each other, ensuring accuracy and reliability of the detection.