Self-Leveling UAV Antenna Mount for Non-Line-of-Sight Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited by the need for line-of-sight or near line-of-sight communication with the operator, restricting the range and bandwidth of data transmission, which hinders the use of advanced wireless networks like 1×, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, and 5G.

Innovation Solution

An antenna system with a self-leveling mount that maintains a downward vertical axis alignment, featuring a transmit-receive pattern with peak strength in a downward direction, reducing signal strength at specific angles to minimize interference from nearby antenna towers, allowing non-line-of-sight communication and control of UAVs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If an omnidirectional antenna is used for UAV communication, then the communication coverage area is improved, but interference from multiple directions including ground-based cellular towers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverage areaVSAvoidinterference from cellular towers
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a directional antenna with non-uniform radiation characteristics. Specifically, the antenna is designed to concentrate signal energy in the upward direction (toward the sky) while deliberately reducing or nullifying signal strength in downward directions (toward ground-based cellular towers). This localized optimization of signal distribution in different spatial regions resolves the contradiction by maintaining broad skyward coverage while eliminating harmful ground-based interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by designing an antenna with an asymmetric radiation pattern that is not uniform in all directions. The antenna structure creates stronger signal transmission and reception capabilities in upward directions compared to downward directions. This asymmetric signal distribution allows the UAV to maintain effective communication with ground control stations while minimizing interference reception from ground-based cellular networks located below the UAV.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a directional antenna with downward focus is used, then interference from ground-based towers is reduced, but communication range and bandwidth are limited by line-of-sight requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference from cellular towersVSAvoidcommunication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna system adaptable to the UAV's changing orientation during flight. The antenna is mounted on a gimbal or adjustable mechanism that can dynamically adjust its pointing direction to maintain optimal alignment with the ground control station regardless of the UAV's pitch, roll, or yaw. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the directional antenna to maintain effective line-of-sight communication over extended ranges while the UAV performs various flight maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a communication system that can effectively handle multiple communication modes and orientations. The antenna system is capable of maintaining reliable communication whether the UAV is ascending, descending, hovering, or traveling horizontally at various altitudes. The combination of directional focus and adjustable mounting allows the same antenna system to serve multiple flight scenarios, extending effective communication range beyond what a fixed directional antenna could achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the antenna is fixed to the UAV body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the antenna orientation changes with UAV roll, pitch, and bank affecting communication stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting system complexityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing a self-leveling or self-aligning antenna mounting system that automatically maintains the correct antenna orientation without requiring external control inputs. The mounting mechanism uses gravity, springs, or inertial sensors to automatically counteract the effects of UAV attitude changes, keeping the antenna pointed in the desired direction relative to the ground control station. This self-correcting behavior maintains communication stability while adding minimal complexity compared to actively controlled systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent may employ mechanics substitution by replacing complex active mechanical control systems with passive mechanical solutions. For example, instead of using motors and sensors to actively adjust antenna orientation, the system might use passive gimbal mechanisms, gravity-dependent self-leveling mounts, or elastomeric elements that automatically compensate for UAV attitude changes. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through clever mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10826164B2Antenna system for unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
  • US10826164B2 patent drawing
  • US10826164B2 patent drawing
  • US10826164B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes an antenna and a self-leveling antenna mount configured to mount the antenna to the UAV. The antenna is configured to receive commands for the UAV via a network and to transmit data from the UAV via the network. The antenna has a transmit-receive pattern with a peak strength in a first direction aligned with an axis of the antenna. The transmit-receive pattern falls off in directions away from the axis of the antenna. The self-leveling antenna mount is configured to adjust an orientation of the antenna to maintain substantial alignment between the first direction and a straight downward direction relative to the UAV despite a change in roll, pitch, or bank of the UAV. In some embodiments, the axis of the antenna is a downward vertical axis of the antenna.