Reflector Antenna Waveguide Steering for Vibration Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dish antennas are affected by vibrations that alter the beam direction, degrading their performance, especially in large antennas with narrow beam widths.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced to move only a fraction of the waveguide of the antenna, such as the sub-reflector and waveguide, to compensate for vibrations, using actuators like motors and sensors to maintain beam direction accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire antenna structure is used to compensate vibrations, then beam direction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna into separate functional components: a stationary reflector and a movable waveguide assembly. Only the waveguide assembly containing the feed element requires vibration compensation mechanisms, while the large reflector structure remains fixed. This segmentation allows vibration compensation without requiring the entire antenna structure to be movable or complex.
2Measurement precision
If actuators are made larger to compensate vibrations, then beam direction control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna into a heavy stationary reflector and a light movable waveguide assembly, the patent reduces the mass that needs to be controlled by actuators. The actuators only need to position the small waveguide assembly, not the entire large antenna structure, enabling the use of smaller, less complex actuators while maintaining beam direction control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by compensating for vibrations only at the critical waveguide assembly position rather than attempting to control the entire antenna structure. This partial compensation approach is sufficient to maintain beam direction accuracy while using smaller actuators that would be inadequate if applied to the full antenna mass.
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
This solution enables efficient and accurate control of beam direction, improving performance by compensating for vibrations in real-time, allowing smaller and less costly actuators to be used.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, such as a linear motor based on the Lorentz force
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic bearing may include a magnet and a ferromagnetic element, such as a ferromagnetic track
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F~1G
AI summary
There is provided an antenna, comprising a main reflector, a waveguide, wherein at least part of the waveguide protrudes towards a region external to the antenna, wherein the antenna is operative to transmit electromagnetic radiations between the waveguide and the main reflector, a mechanism which enables displacement of at least part of the waveguide with respect to the main reflector, and an actuator operative to displace the at least part of the waveguide.