Patent Application
20230155297
The present application claims benefit from IL288183 filed on Nov. 17, 2021.
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to antennas. In particular, it relates to new systems and methods for a reflector antenna, such as a dish antenna.
Dish antennas are antennas which include a dish and a feed. The antenna may be subject to vibrations, which alter the beam direction transmitted or received by the antenna and therefore degrade performance of the antenna.
Documents which constitute background to the presently disclosed subject matter include:
Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these references are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.
There is now a need to propose new solutions for improving the structure and operation of antenna(s), and in particular of dish antennas.
In accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, 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, and 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.
In addition to the above features, the antenna according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can optionally comprise one or more of features (i) to (xix) below, in any technically possible combination or permutation:
In accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, 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, and an actuator operative to displace at least part of the waveguide, the actuator comprising a magnet coupled to the at least part of the waveguide, a first ferromagnetic element, a second ferromagnetic element, and an inductor associated with the first ferromagnetic element or with the second ferromagnetic element.
In addition to the above features, the antenna according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can optionally comprise one or more of features (xx) to (xxix) below, in any technically possible combination or permutation:
In accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method of controlling an antenna comprising a main reflector and a waveguide, the method comprising, by a processor and memory circuitry, obtaining data Dbeam, informative of a required beam direction of electromagnetic radiations to be received or transmitted by the antenna, obtaining data Dmotion informative of a displacement of the antenna, and determining a displacement Dcorrective for at least part of the waveguide using Dmotion and Dbeam, for which a beam direction of electromagnetic radiations received or transmitted by the antenna, after said displacement Dcorrective of said at least part of the waveguide, matches the required beam direction according to a matching criterion.
In addition to the above features, the method according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can optionally comprise one or more of features (xxx) to (xxxi) below, in any technically possible combination or permutation:
According to some embodiments, the method can include controlling an antenna as described in the various embodiments above (optionally including one or more of the features (i) to (xxix) above, in any technically possible combination or permutation).
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides an antenna which can be controlled to compensate vibrations affecting the beam direction of the antenna.
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides an accurate and efficient solution to compensate vibrations present in an antenna, such a reflector antenna (e.g. dish antenna).
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution enables real time or quasi real time control of an antenna subject to vibrations, such a reflector antenna (e.g. dish antenna).
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution improves the accuracy of control of the direction of the beam transmitted and/or received by an antenna, such as a reflector antenna (e.g. dish antenna).
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution enables efficient and accurate control of the direction of a narrow beam.
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution enables compensating vibrations present in an antenna by moving only a fraction of the antenna. As a consequence, it is possible to use smaller and less costly actuators.
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides a robust approach to compensate vibrations present in an antenna.
According to some embodiments, the proposed solution improves performance of antennas, such as reflector antenna (e.g. dish antennas). In particular, it improves performance of large dish antennas.
In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, embodiments will be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter.
The term “processor and memory circuitry” (PMC) as disclosed herein should be broadly construed to include any kind of electronic device with data processing circuitry, which includes for example a computer processing device operatively connected to a computer memory (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) capable of executing various data processing operations.
It can encompass a single processor or multiple processors, which may be located in the same geographical zone, or may, at least partially, be located in different zones and may be able to communicate together.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “obtaining”. “determining”, “controlling”, “performing” or the like, refer to the action(s) and/or process(es) of a processor and memory circuitry that manipulates and/or transforms data into other data, said data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities and/or said data representing the physical objects.
The main reflector 101 includes a curved surface 116 which is operative to reflect electromagnetic radiations (electromagnetic waves) when the antenna 100 operates in reception and/or in transmission.
In the non-limitative example of
The antenna 100 includes a waveguide 120. The waveguide 120 can be designated as a feed waveguide 120 of the antenna 100. This term is not to be construed as limitative and used only for simplifying its designation.
At least part of the waveguide 120 protrudes towards a region 130 (space 130) external to the antenna 100.
Electromagnetic radiations are transmitted by the antenna 100 towards at least part of the space 130, or electromagnetic radiations are received by the antenna 100 from at least part of the space 130.
In some embodiments, the waveguide 120 can protrude from the main reflector 101 (see
In some embodiments, the waveguide 120 is coupled to a first waveguide, wherein at least part of the first waveguide protrudes out of the main reflector 101 towards the space 130 (as explained with reference to
In some embodiments, only part of the waveguide 120 protrudes from the main reflector 101 towards the space 130 (as explained with reference to
An end 121 (distal end which faces the space 130) of the waveguide 120 can be connected to a reflector 122 (also called a sub-reflector 122).
The antenna 100 includes a first waveguide 115 (only partially represented in
In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiations are in the radio-frequency (RF) range. This is however not limitative.
In the example of
The first waveguide 115 is connected, directly or indirectly, to one or more transceivers (not represented) of the antenna 100. The transceivers can be used to generate electromagnetic radiations transmitted by the antenna 100 and/or to process electromagnetic radiations received by the antenna 100.
When the antenna 100 operates in transmission, electromagnetic radiations are transmitted from the first waveguide 115 to the waveguide 120. The waveguide 120 transmits the electromagnetic radiations (via the sub-reflector 122) to the main reflector 101 (see arrow 150). In the absence of vibrations in the antenna 100, the main reflector 101 transmits the electromagnetic radiations as a beam along the required direction (see arrow 151 in
When the antenna 100 operates in reception, electromagnetic waves are received by the main reflector 101 and reflected by the main reflector 101 towards the waveguide 120 (via the sub-reflector 122). The waveguide 120 transmits the electromagnetic radiations to the first waveguide 115 (in order to be eventually processed by the transceivers).
As explained hereinafter, one or more elements can be present on the path of transmission between the first waveguide 115 and the waveguide 120, such as a mechanism 165 described e.g. in
Attention is now drawn to
During operation of the antenna 100, the antenna 100 is generally submitted to vibrations. The vibrations can be caused e.g. by wind, by the platform (e.g. mast or pole) on which the antenna 100 is mounted, by human activities, by other sources of vibrations, etc. This is however not limitative.
Due to these vibrations, at least part of the structure of the antenna 100 undergoes a displacement, along one or more axes. Such displacement can include in particular a displacement (such as a rotation or tilt) in azimuth and/or in elevation (also called pitch and/or yaw rotation).
Assume for example that it is desired to transmit a beam of electromagnetic radiations along the required direction depicted by arrow 151 of
In the non-limitative example of
As a consequence, the beam 160 transmitted by the antenna 100 to the space 130 has a direction which differs from the required direction 151.
Note that this problem arises also when the antenna 100 operates in reception, as visible in
As can be understood from the example of
This problem is even more critical in large dish antennas, which produce a narrow beam width. The table illustrates non-limitative values of the beam width with respect to the diameter of the dish, at a frequency of 80 GHz.
Therefore, an error in the direction of transmission (respectively in reception) of the beam transmitted (respectively received) by the antenna strongly impacts performance of the antenna.
Attention is now drawn to
In order to compensate, at least partially, for vibrations of the antenna 100, the antenna 100 includes a mechanism 165. As explained hereinafter, the mechanism 165 can include one or more mechanical elements enabling motion of at least part of the waveguide 120 with respect to the main reflector 101 and/or the first waveguide 115. In particular, it can enable a displacement in azimuth (see arrow 166) and/or elevation (see arrow 167) of at least part of (or of all of) the waveguide 120 (and of the sub-reflector 122 located at its proximal end). The displacement is e.g. a rotation or tilt in azimuth and/or elevation.
According to some embodiments, the mechanism 165 is located at an interface between the first waveguide 115 and the waveguide 120.
In a parabolic antenna (dish antenna), the vertex 164 of the main reflector 101 (parabolic reflector) is the innermost point at the centre of the parabolic reflector. According to some embodiments, the position of the mechanism 165 matches a position of the vertex of the main reflector 101 according to a proximity criterion. The mechanism 165 is generally located on an axis of revolution of the waveguide 120 (main axis Z of the waveguide 120 oriented towards the space 130), at the same level of vertex 164 of the main reflector 101, above the vertex 164 of the main reflector 101 (see
The proximity criterion can define e.g. that the distance (height) along axis Z (noted 168 in
When the mechanism 165 is located at the vertex 164 of the main reflector 101, the whole waveguide 120 (or most of it) which protrudes from the main reflector 101 is tilted with respect to the main reflector 101, as visible in
The mechanism 165 is located at the interface between the first waveguide 115 and the waveguide 120. As visible in
The waveguide 120 is coupled to the first waveguide 115 which is located in the inner portion 131 of the antenna 100.
The mechanism 165 is located at the interface between the first waveguide 115 and the waveguide 120. In this embodiment, the mechanism 165 is located in the inner portion 131 of the antenna 100. As visible in
Attention is now drawn to
As already explained with reference to
As explained with reference to
As shown in
In other words, the effect of the vibrations on the antenna 100 is compensated (at least partially) by moving at least part of the waveguide 120.
Note that it is not necessary to move the whole antenna 100 (for example, it is not necessary to move the main reflector 101), but only part (or all) of the waveguide 120 (elements which are affixed to the waveguide 120 also move, such as the sub-reflector 122).
By virtue of the reciprocity effect, the same principles as described in the transmission mode can be used when then antenna operates in reception, as illustrated in
When the vibrations are not compensated, the vibrations induce a displacement of the antenna 100, which, in turn, cause the antenna 100 to fail (partially or totally) to collect the beam 1741 received from the required direction 151. To the contrary, the antenna 100 may collect beam 1601 (note that arrow 1601 can also correspond to an electromagnetic ray) which is not of interest (since it comes from a direction which differs from the required direction 151).
By using the mechanism 165, the waveguide 120 is therefore controlled to be moved (e.g. rotated/tilted) about at least one axis, in order to compensate, at least partially, for the effect of the vibrations.
As shown in
Note that the examples of
Attention is now drawn to
In this embodiment, the mechanism 265 includes a socket 200 (e.g. a spherical socket) and a protrusion 210 (e.g. a spherical protrusion). Therefore, the protrusion 210 can rotate within the socket 200. In particular, the waveguide 120 can rotate around the center of the protrusion 210. This mechanism 265 is also called a ball joint.
This mechanism 265 enables a rotation of the waveguide 120 around at least two axes: azimuth axis and elevation axis. Note that in this specific example, the mechanism 265 enables also rotation around the Z axis (however, in order to compensate vibrations, it is not required to move the waveguide 120 about this axis).
In some embodiments, it is possible to use a mechanism 265 which enables motion along only one axis (azimuth or elevation). This can include e.g. a waveguide rotary joint or a waveguide rotating joint. This is not limitative.
In the example of
Note that the mechanism 265 is only an example, and other mechanisms can be used, such as a waveguide rotary joint, a waveguide rotating joint, a flexible waveguide, etc. This list is not limitative.
As can be understood from the examples above, the mechanism (see e.g. 165 or 265) is located between two waveguides (e.g. between the first waveguide 115 and the waveguide 120). During operation of the antenna 100, electromagnetic radiations must be transmitted between the two waveguides. Assume that the mechanism includes at least a first mechanical element and a second mechanical element (mechanical pieces) which cooperate to enable the desired motion. In order to optimize performance of the antenna 100, the gap (air gap) between the first element and the second element has a dimension (e.g. a thickness) which is below a tenth (10 percent) of a wavelength λmean informative of a range of wavelengths [λminλmax] at which the antenna 100 operates. In some embodiments, λmean, corresponds to λmin (minimal wavelength of operation) or λmax (maximal wavelength of operation) or to the average of λmin and λmax. Since the first element and the second element are located in close proximity one to the other, the leakage of electromagnetic radiations out of the antenna 100 (antenna loss) is limited or even prevented.
In the example of
Attention is now drawn to
In order to induce motion of the waveguide 120, the antenna 100 can include (or be operatively coupled to) an actuator 170, such as a motor. The actuator 170 can be used to control motion of at least part of the waveguide 120, in cooperation with the mechanism 165.
In some embodiments (such as in
The antenna 100 can further include (or is operatively coupled to) at least one sensor 175 (or a plurality of sensors 175). The sensor 175 generates data (e.g. inertial data) usable to determine data Dmotion informative of a displacement of the antenna 100 over time (and/or of at least part of the antenna 100, such as of the main reflector 101). Note that the sensor 175 can be placed at various locations of the antenna 100. The sensor 175 can include e.g. a gyroscope, which measures angular velocity along the azimuth axis and/or the elevation axis, and an accelerometer which measures the gravitation direction. Integration of the angular velocity (by a processor and memory circuitry, such as controller 180) provides the position of the antenna over time. In some embodiments, the sensor 175 can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU). In some embodiments, the sensor 175 can include a position sensor.
In some embodiments, the antenna 100 includes a first sensor generating data usable to determine data informative of a displacement of the antenna 100 in a first range of frequencies (low frequencies), and a second sensor generating data usable to determine data informative of a displacement of the antenna in a second range of frequencies (high frequencies), wherein the average frequency of the first range is below the average frequency of the second range.
For example, the first sensor can be an accelerometer which measures the gravitation direction. This enables to determine the elevation angle. In particular, it can detect variations of the elevation angle at frequencies below 1 Hz. These variations can be due e.g. to the sun, which warms the platform (mast or pole) on which the antenna 100 is mounted. These variations occur at low frequencies (below 1 Hz).
The second sensor can be a gyroscope which measures vibrations at higher frequencies (e.g. up to 30 Hz). These vibrations are caused e.g. by wind.
Note that the source of vibrations and the frequency values as described above are not limitative.
The antenna 100 can further include (or is operatively coupled to) at least one controller 180. The controller 180 can include a processor and memory circuitry (not represented). The controller 180 can receive data from the sensor 175. The data can correspond to Dmotion or can be used to generate Dbeam. The controller 180 can use the data of the sensor 175 to generate a command for the actuator 170, in order to control the motion of the waveguide 120, to compensate for the vibrations undergone by the antenna 100.
Attention is now drawn to
The method includes obtaining (operation 400) data Dbeam informative of a required beam direction of electromagnetic radiations to be received or transmitted by the antenna 100. Data Dbeam can be obtained by the controller 180. In the example of
In some embodiments, Dbeam can be e.g. known in advance (because it is known that the antenna 100 needs to transmit electromagnetic radiations to a second antenna, and the position and orientation of the second antenna is known). In some embodiments, Dbeam can be measured (e.g. by obtaining position and orientation data of the second antenna).
Dbeam can be provided to the controller 180 by e.g. an operator of the antenna 100 (using a computerized interface), and/or by a system which communicates with the antenna 100.
In the example of
The method further includes obtaining (e.g. by controller 180) data Dmotion informative of a displacement of the antenna 100 (operation 410). As mentioned above, Dmotion can be provided by the sensor 175, or can be generated using data provided by the sensor 175. Dmotion can include e.g. the displacement (e.g. angular displacement) of the antenna 100 (or at least of the main reflector 101) about the azimuth axis and/or elevation axis.
In some embodiments, operation 410 can include measuring angular velocities along the azimuth axis and/or elevation axis and integrating the velocity along the azimuth axis and/or elevation axis to get the angular displacement along the azimuth axis and/or elevation axis.
The method further includes (operation 420) determining a displacement (corrective displacement) Dcorrective for the waveguide 120 (or for at least part of it) using Dmotion and Dbeam.
When the antenna 100 operates in transmission, Dcorrective is determined such that, when the waveguide 120 moves according to Dcorrective, the direction of the beam transmitted by the antenna 100 corresponds to the required beam direction obtained at operation 400.
When the antenna 100 operates in reception, Dcorrective is determined such that, when the waveguide 120 moves according to Dcorrective, an incoming electromagnetic beam (or incoming electromagnetic ray) which has the required beam direction, is reflected by the main reflector 101 towards the sub-reflector 122, and then to the waveguide 120.
Note that in some embodiments, the antenna 100 can operate simultaneously (or quasi simultaneously) both in reception and transmission. If the required beam direction is the same for reception and transmission, the waveguide 120 is moved to ensure both reception and transmission according to this required beam direction.
Operation 420 can be performed by the controller 180. Based on this displacement Dcorrective, the controller 180 can generate the command (e.g. electrical signal) to be transmitted to the actuator 170, in order to command the actuator 170 to move at least part of the waveguide 120 according to the displacement Dcorrective. In some embodiments, the controller 180 determines Dcorrective which is transmitted to a motor driver, which converts Dcorrective into electrical signals to be transmitted to the actuator 170. In particular, as explained hereinafter, the electrical signals can correspond to electrical currents to be applied to inductors of the actuator 170.
In some embodiments, the displacement is determined along one axis (e.g. angular rotation in azimuth or angular rotation in elevation). In some embodiments, the displacement is determined along two axes (e.g. rotation in both azimuth and elevation).
Assume for example that the angular displacement of the antenna 100 (due to the vibrations) in elevation is noted θ (see
The corrective displacement Dcorrective can be calculated as follows: a1θ+a2θ3, wherein a1 and a2 are coefficients which depend on the shape and dimensions of the main reflector 101. For example, for a typical dish antenna, which has a “f over D ratio” (corresponding to the ratio between the focal length of the antenna 100 and the diameter 169 of the main reflector 101) equal to 0.4, a1=1.1 and a2=0. This is not limitative. If the f over D ratio is different, the values of a1 and a2 can be tuned accordingly, using an electromagnetic simulation software (the dimensions and shape of the antenna are provided to the electromagnetic simulation software which provide direction of the beam depending on the tilt of the waveguide 120).
In other words, at least part of the waveguide 120 must be rotated in elevation with an angular rotation equal to a1θ+a2θ3.
Similarly, if the displacement of the antenna 100 along the azimuth axis is noted φ (not represented), the corrective displacement Dcorrective can be calculated as follows: a1φ+a2φ3. The values for at and a2 used for the azimuth motion can be used for the elevation motion.
Note that these formulas are not limitative and other formulas can be used.
The method further includes transmitting (e.g. by the controller 180) the command signal(s) (as determined at operation 420) to the actuator 170 (operation 430). At least part of the waveguide 120 (together with the sub-reflector 122) is moved by the actuator 170 (as mentioned above, the mechanism 165 enables a motion of the waveguide 120) to reach its new position (see position 172 in
The method further includes transmitting (operation 440) electromagnetic radiations using the antenna 100 in which the waveguide 120 has reached its new position. In the example of
Similarly, operation 440 can include receiving (operation 440) electromagnetic radiations using the antenna 100 in which the waveguide 120 has reached its new position.
When the antenna 100 operates in reception, the antenna 100 receives an electromagnetic beam which matches the required beam direction 151 according to a matching criterion. The matching criterion can define that any electromagnetic beam which has a direction which differs from the required beam direction by a value which is equal to or below the maximal angular error, is received by the antenna (whereas an electromagnetic beam which has a direction which differs from the required beam direction by a value which is above the maximal angular error is not received by the antenna, or received with an amplitude below a threshold, such as 1 dB—this value being not limitative). In some embodiments, the maximal angular error is less than quarter of the beam width to be received by the antenna 100.
In the example of
As visible in
If the required beam direction changes, then operations 400 to 440 can be repeated.
A real time (or quasi real time) compensation of the vibrations can be obtained. The frequency at which the method of
Attention is now drawn to
The actuator 570 includes a magnet 510 (e.g. a permanent magnet) coupled (e.g. affixed) to the waveguide 120. In the non-limitative example of
The actuator 570 further includes a first ferromagnetic element 5251 and a second ferromagnetic element 5252. The first ferromagnetic element 5251 is located opposite to the second ferromagnetic element 5252 with respect to the waveguide 120. Examples of ferromagnetic elements include e.g. iron and/or steel (this is not limitative).
The actuator 570 includes at least one inductor, which can be associated with the first ferromagnetic element 5251 and/or with the second ferromagnetic element 5252. The inductor can include an insulated wire wound into a coil. The inductor can be therefore be wrapped around the first ferromagnetic element 5251 and/or the second ferromagnetic element 525 (in order to be able to magnetize the corresponding ferromagnetic element). Note that the inductor does not need to be in direct contact with the corresponding ferromagnetic element (an insulating layer can be present on the ferromagnetic element).
As explained hereinafter, a inductor associated with one of the two opposite ferromagnetic elements enables displacement of the waveguide 120 along one axis (see arrow 580—this corresponds e.g. to an azimuth or elevation rotation depending on the convention). In particular, a rotation about an axis orthogonal to an axis joining the two opposite ferromagnetic elements can be obtained. It is however possible (as in the non-limitative embodiment of
In the absence of electrical currents applied to the inductor, the two opposite ferromagnetic elements maintain the magnet 510 at its equilibrium position (with a tilt of zero degrees).
In
In the embodiment of
The first pair and the second pair of elements enable controlling motion of the waveguide 120 along direction 580.
In some embodiments, the actuator 570 can include additional elements.
The actuator 570 can include a third ferromagnetic element 5253 and a fourth ferromagnetic element 5254. The third ferromagnetic element 5253 is located opposite to the fourth ferromagnetic element 525 with respect to the waveguide 120.
The actuator 570 can include at least one additional inductor, which can be associated with the third ferromagnetic element 5253 and/or with the fourth ferromagnetic element 5254. The additional inductor is therefore located in the vicinity of the third ferromagnetic element 5253 and/or of the fourth ferromagnetic element 5254 (in order to be able to magnetize the corresponding ferromagnetic element).
An inductor associated with one of the two opposite ferromagnetic elements 5253, 5254 enables displacement of the waveguide 120 along an additional axis (see arrow 581—this corresponds e.g. to an azimuth or elevation rotation depending on the convention). It is however possible (as in the non-limitative embodiment of
In
In the embodiment of
If four ferromagnetic elements are used (and at least two inductors, one per axis), each ferromagnetic element can be located (in a plane X-Y orthogonal to the main axis Z of the waveguide 120) at a 90-degree angle to its adjacent ferromagnetic element.
In the non-limitative example of
Note that another number of elements can be used: for each axis along which the motion of the waveguide 120 has to be controlled, two ferromagnetic elements (located opposite one to the other with respect to the waveguide 120) and at least one inductor coupled to one of the two ferromagnetic elements can be used.
Note that the ferromagnetic elements can be connected to the body of the antenna 100 using appropriate mechanical connections.
Attention is now drawn to
In the non-limitative example of
In some embodiments, each ferromagnetic element can act as a yoke which surrounds the magnet 510.
Assume that a Z-axis (oriented towards the outer space of the antenna 100) corresponds to the axis of revolution of the waveguide 120.
Each ferromagnetic element (or at least one of the ferromagnetic elements) can include two portions (corresponding to the two “arms” of the “U”): a first arm 585 is located at least partially above the magnet 510 (along axis Z), and a second arm 586 is located at least partially below the magnet 510 (along axis Z). A third arm 587 joins the first arm 585 to the second arm 586. In
The first arm 585 and the second arm 5% can be substantially parallel. In some embodiments, the first arm 585 and the second arm 5% can have a curved profile (see
Note that the first arm 585 and the second arm 586 can have different lengths. This is illustrated in
Attention is now drawn to
The method includes generating (operation 600) an electric current in the inductor (e.g. inductor 5204). An electrical generator (controlled e.g. by the controller 180) can be used to generate the electrical current applied to the inductor(s). The electrical generator is not represented in the drawings.
The magnet 510 has a magnetic dipole moment with North Pole 606 and South Pole 607.
Since an electric current 609 is present in the inductor 5204, it acts as a magnet (operation 601) which is associated with a magnetic dipole moment 610 (magnetic flux). The magnetic dipole moment 610 has a north pole 611 and a south pole 612. It expands through the shape (in particular through the first portion, the second portion and the third portion) of the ferromagnetic element 5254. Due to the presence of the ferromagnetic element 5254, the magnetization induced by the inductor 5204 flows through the ferromagnetic element 5254. The ferromagnetic element 5254 enables to transfer the magnetic field induced by the inductor 5204 in the vicinity of the magnet 510.
According to the laws of Physics, there is attraction between south and north poles and repulsion between two south poles and between two north poles.
In the configuration of
In other words, the electric current 609 enables to generate an attraction force (magnetic force) in the direction 650. The magnet 510 is therefore moved in the direction 650. Since the magnet 510 is coupled to the waveguide 120, the waveguide 120 is moved in the direction 650. Motion of the waveguide 120 is guided by the mechanism 165.
If it is desired to move the waveguide 120 in a direction 651 which is opposite to the direction 650, an electrical current which has an opposite direction (that is to say opposite sign) to the electrical current 609, is applied to the inductor 5204.
The magnet 510 has a magnetic dipole moment 605 with north pole 606 and south pole 607.
An electric current 609 is applied (operation 660) to an inductor (e.g. coil 5204). Since an electric current 609 is present in the inductor 5204, it acts as a magnet which is associated with a magnetic dipole moment 610. The magnetic dipole moment 610 has a north pole 611 and a south pole 612. It expands through the shape (in particular through the first arm, the second arm and the third arm) of the ferromagnetic element 5254. Due to the presence of the ferromagnetic element 5254, the magnetization induced by the inductor 5204 flows through the ferromagnetic element 5254.
An electric current 615 is applied (operation 661) to another inductor (e.g. inductor 5203). The electric current 615 flows in the inductor 5203 in a direction which is opposite to the direction in which the electric current 609 flows in the inductor 5204 (current of opposite sign). Due to the presence of the ferromagnetic element 5254, the magnetization induced by the inductor 5204 flows through the ferromagnetic element 525.
Since an electric current 615 is present in the inductor 5203, it acts as a magnet which is associated with a magnetic dipole moment 625. The magnetic dipole moment 625 has a north pole 626 and a south pole 627. It expands through the shape (in particular through the first portion, the second portion and the third portion) of the ferromagnetic element 5253. Due to the presence of the ferromagnetic element 5253, the magnetization induced by the inductor 5203 flows through the ferromagnetic element 5203.
In some embodiments, the amplitude of the electric current 609 is equal to the amplitude of the electric current 615. This is however not mandatory.
In the configuration of
The north pole Nm 606 is attracted by the south pole S2612 and is repelled from the north pole N1626.
In other words, the electric currents 609, 615 enable to generate an attraction force in the direction 650. The magnet 510 is therefore moved in the direction 650 (operation 662). Note that the attraction force generated in
If it is desired to move the waveguide 120 in a direction 651 which is opposite to the direction 650, an electrical current which has an opposite direction (opposite sign) to the electrical current 609 is applied to the inductor 5204, and an electrical current which has an opposite direction (opposite sign) to the electrical current 615 is applied to the inductor 5203.
The actuator as described above is not limitative and, in some embodiments, or actuators or motors can be used (e.g. an electrical motor mechanically coupled to the waveguide 120).
It is to be noted that the various features described in the various embodiments may be combined according to all possible technical combinations.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 288183 | Nov 2021 | IL | national |
