UAV Antenna Alignment Actuator for Microwave Link Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual alignment of microwave link antennas is time-consuming and often inaccurate, requiring at least two installers at each site, one of whom must climb the mast, making the process inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used to align a first directive antenna towards a second antenna, equipped with a docking interface, alignment actuator, and control unit that generates alignment control signals, allowing for remote or autonomous operation and reducing the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment is performed by installers climbing the mast, then the antenna can be physically adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated robotic system. The robot climbs the mast automatically using climbing mechanisms, and the antenna alignment is achieved through automated actuators that adjust the antenna position based on signal strength feedback, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment by installers
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through automated feedback control. The robot measures signal strength independently, processes the alignment information, and autonomously adjusts the antenna position without requiring human intervention or coordination between multiple personnel
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment with multiple adjusters is performed, then the antenna position can be adjusted, but the alignment becomes inaccurate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback control during the alignment process. The robot measures signal strength at different antenna positions, processes this information to determine the optimal alignment, and makes precise adjustments accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high alignment precision while reducing the time required compared to manual trial-and-adjustment methods
3Ease of operation
If two installation teams are deployed to each site, then the alignment can be performed, but the complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated robotic system. The robot performs climbing, signal measurement, alignment calculation, and antenna adjustment all in one unified platform, eliminating the need for separate installation teams and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities of the single robot
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an un-manned aerial vehicle (200) for aligning a first directive antenna (101) in a direction D1 towards a second antenna (102), comprising a docking interface (210) arranged to attach the aerial vehicle (200) to a first alignment device (110) of the first directive antenna (101) and an alignment actuator (220) arranged to mechanically interface with the alignment device (110) and to actuate alignment of the first directive antenna (101) based on an alignment control signal. The aerial vehicle further comprises a control unit (230) configured to generate an alignment control signal.