Variable Beam Width Microwave Antenna Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave antenna systems face challenges in aligning antennas due to the difficulty in pinpointing narrow beams, which are more efficient for signal transmission but harder to align compared to wide beams, leading to reduced transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The microwave antenna system operates in two states: a first state with a wider beam for alignment and a second state with a narrower beam for efficient signal transmission, achieved by varying the effective size of the antenna elements, reflector configurations, and polarizer orientations, allowing for a higher gain and improved transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a narrow beam is used for signal transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam width adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change beam width between wide (for alignment) and narrow (for transmission) modes, allowing optimal performance for each operational phase. This is achieved through adjustable antenna elements or reflector configurations that modify the effective aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of beam width to resolve the contradiction. By varying the beam width parameter between two states (wide and narrow), the system achieves both easy alignment (wide beam) and high transmission efficiency (narrow beam) at different times in the operational sequence.
2Ease of operation
If a wide beam is used for alignment, then alignment ease is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam width based on operational requirements. During alignment phase, the beam is widened to facilitate easy positioning. After alignment is achieved, the beam narrows to maximize transmission efficiency and minimize energy loss, thus resolving the trade-off between alignment ease and transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by first establishing alignment with a wide beam before switching to narrow beam for transmission. The wide beam phase serves as a preparatory step that enables subsequent efficient operation, ensuring proper positioning before optimizing for energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave antenna is operated in a first operating state during an alignment operation for the microwave antenna system where the microwave antenna is configured to have a first beam width. Subsequent to the alignment operation, the microwave antenna is operated in a second operating state where the beam of the microwave antenna is configured to have a second beam width that is narrower than the first beam width.