Wrap-Around Antenna for MAV Proximity Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro air vehicles (MAVs) lack a lightweight proximity sensing capability to detect obstacles in complex environments, as existing collision avoidance radar units are too large and heavy for MAVs to carry effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wrap-around antenna with radiating elements arranged in groups of different heights, controlled by a radar altimeter to selectively change the center frequency, allowing efficient radiation in various directions without the need for complex directional antennas or switches, enhancing sectoral coverage and reducing radiation leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collision avoidance radar unit with sectoral coverage antennas and beam-switching hardware is used, then the ability to sense proximity hazards is improved, but the weight and size of the MAV increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independently controllable radiating elements arranged in groups around the MAV. Each element can be independently activated to provide sectoral coverage, eliminating the need for a single large complex antenna system while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different radiating elements based on the required sector coverage. By controlling which elements are active at any given time, the system provides beam-switching capability without requiring mechanical moving parts or complex hardware, thereby reducing weight.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed on desired sectors of the airborne vehicle to achieve sectoral coverage, then the proximity sensing capability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiating elements are integrated into a single wrap-around antenna structure that encircles the MAV. This unified structure provides sectoral coverage through electronic switching between elements rather than requiring multiple separate antenna assemblies, thereby reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap-around antenna structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables sectoral coverage through element switching, and can be configured for different coverage patterns by activating different groups of radiating elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If radiating elements of different heights are arranged in groups on the antenna, then the directional radiation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different groups of radiating elements have locally optimized heights tailored to their specific directional radiation requirements. Each element's height is customized for its position and function, allowing precise control over radiation patterns in different sectors while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating elements vary in height as a deliberate parameter change to optimize radiation efficiency in different directions. By systematically varying this physical parameter across different groups of elements, the system achieves directional control without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution enables MAVs to effectively sense proximity hazards and navigate complex environments by providing a lightweight, efficient, and directional radar system that enhances resolution and reduces radiation leakage, improving the MAV's ability to operate in urban and mountainous terrains.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may take the form of a wrap-around antenna (e.g., wrapped around a portion of the MAV) that selectively radiates in different directions depending on the frequency of the signal transmitted
Implementation Method 2
The antenna includes radiating elements, arranged in groups according to one embodiment, having different heights that operate efficiently at different center frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna for a micro air vehicle (MAV) takes the form of a wrap-around antenna (e.g., wrapped around a portion of the MAV) that selectively emits radio signals in different directions depending on a frequency selected by a radio altimeter in the MAV. The radar altimeter may be a pulsed or a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar altimeter. The wrap-around antenna includes groups of radiating elements in which at least each group includes an average height that is different from an average height of an adjacent group. Further, the average height of the group determines which group will emit the signals most efficiently so that a desired sector of space may be covered by the signals emitted from the antenna. In one example, the center frequency of the radar altimeter may be controlled in a deterministic manner to cause the radiating elements to successively cover desired sectors of space.