Vibrating Radar Targets for Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflectometric systems face challenges in accurately measuring vibrations or deformations of objects/structures with multiple reflecting devices in the same resolution cell, due to signal overlap and interference, leading to reduced sensitivity and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A reflectometric system and method that employs vibrating targets with self-induced motion, using an electric motor group to modulate radar signals, allowing for the separation of return signals based on their frequency, and a processing unit to estimate deformations and vibrations by analyzing the phase value of the identification signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple reflecting devices are placed in the same resolution cell to monitor large structures, then the coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but the return signals overlap and interfere with each other, making signal separation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by inducing controlled vibrations in the reflecting devices or targets. This causes the targets to vibrate at known frequencies, which modulates the radar return signals. The vibration-induced frequency modulation creates distinct spectral signatures for each target, enabling the processing unit to separate overlapping signals from multiple reflecting devices in the same resolution cell through frequency analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by inducing vibrations at specific frequencies for predetermined periods. This periodic vibration creates time-varying phase and frequency characteristics in the radar signals that can be distinguished through spectral analysis. The periodic nature of the induced vibrations allows the system to identify and separate signals from different targets based on their unique frequency-time patterns.
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are used to process radar signals for vibration measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but additional delays are introduced that impact measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electronic vibration sensing components with a radar-based measurement system. Instead of using electronic accelerometers or vibration sensors that introduce processing delays, the system uses radar signals to remotely measure target vibrations. The vibration information is extracted directly from the phase and frequency of the radar return signals through signal processing algorithms, eliminating the need for physical electronic sensors on the target structure.
3Measurement precision
If complex signal processing methods are used to separate interfering signals, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inducing mechanical vibrations in the targets, the patent transforms the signal separation problem into a frequency discrimination problem. The vibration-induced frequency modulation creates naturally distinct spectral signatures for each target, allowing the system to use relatively simple frequency analysis techniques (such as Fourier transforms) to separate overlapping signals, rather than requiring complex adaptive signal processing algorithms.
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
Enables precise and rapid measurement of deformations and vibrations with sub-millimetre accuracy and millisecond response times, effectively overcoming signal overlap and interference issues, while reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a radar device suitable for transmitting a radar signal to at least one target associated with the object/structure
Implementation Method 2
a vibration mechanism equipped with an electric motor group to generate a self-induced motion with respect to said object/structure with its own frequency of induced vibration
Implementation Method 3
said processing unit estimating said measurement of deformations and/or vibrations on the basis of the phase value of said identification signal of said at least one vibrating target
Data Source
AI summary
A reflectometric system and method for the measurement of deformations and/or vibrations of an object/structure includes a radar device for transmitting a radar signal to at least one target associated with the object/structure, the target being a vibrating target with a mechanical vibration mechanism equipped with an electric motor group to generate a self-induced motion with respect to the object/structure. The at least one vibrating target vibrating with its own frequency of induced vibration, modulating the radar signal at least on the basis of its own frequency of induced vibration to generate a return signal received by the radar device as part of a complex signal. The complex signal is processed to determine an identification signal of each vibrating target using its own frequency of induced vibration; the measurement of deformations and/or vibrations determined for each vibrating target on the basis of a phase value extracted from the identification signal.