Swinging Antenna Modules for Fast LEO Satellite Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna tracking methods are inefficient in rapidly switching between satellites, especially for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, due to mechanical scanning limitations and high costs associated with active array antennas.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device with a swinging mechanism that includes at least one antenna module, an active RF module, and a swinging portion, allowing the antenna module to swing along a circular arc and rotate to track satellites effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical rotation method is used for satellite tracking, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the tracking speed is slow and cannot rapidly switch between satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna device is divided into multiple antenna modules (first antenna module and second antenna module) that can independently swing along circular arcs. This segmentation allows parallel tracking capabilities, where one module can track a satellite while another prepares for handover, significantly improving tracking speed and satellite switching capability without requiring complex mechanical rotation mechanisms.
2Speed
If active array antenna technique is used for rapid beam tracking, then the tracking speed is fast, but the circuit complexity is high and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic beam-forming mechanism of active array antennas with a mechanical swinging mechanism. The antenna modules physically swing along circular arcs to track satellites, substituting complex RF circuitry and electronic phase control with simpler mechanical motion. This maintains fast tracking capability while dramatically reducing circuit complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna modules are designed to dynamically swing along circular arc trajectories centered at a common center point. This dynamic mechanical motion allows rapid repositioning between satellites without the need for complex electronic beam steering, achieving fast tracking with simpler hardware.
3Device complexity
If mechanical pan head rotation is used, then the structure is simple, but the space required is large and position return is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the entire antenna assembly horizontally as in traditional pan-head systems, the patent swings antenna modules along vertical circular arcs. This dimensional change allows multiple antenna modules to occupy different vertical positions and angles, enabling rapid position switching and handover without requiring large horizontal space or time-consuming mechanical rotation and return movements.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device with a swinging mechanism includes at least one antenna module, at least one active radio-frequency module, and at least one swinging portion. The antenna module can transmit at least one active radio-frequency signal outward and receive at least one external RF signal from the outside. The active radio-frequency module can be electrically connected to the antenna module and control the phase and amplitude of the active RF signal so that the antenna module can form a focused radiation beam of the active RF signal and control the generation of a radiation pattern by the antenna module for receiving the external RF signal. The swinging portion is connected to the antenna module and can swing the antenna module along a circular arc around a center of circle defined by a central support point to supplement an ability of the antenna module in scanning in a one-dimensional direction.