Satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband oscillator antenna

Abstract

The invention discloses a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband oscillator antenna, and the antenna comprises an antenna bottom plate which comprises a lower-layer bottom plate and an upper-layer bottom plate; the radiation arms are in an L shape, a pipeline loop is arranged in each radiation arm, two ports of each pipeline loop are located on the end face of the short section of the corresponding radiation arm, the pipeline loops are filled with liquid metal and insulating mineral oil, and the long section of each radiation arm is parallel to the upper-layer bottom plate; shorter sections of the radiation arms penetrate through the through holes of the upper-layer bottom plate to be mounted on the lower-layer bottom plate, and the four radiation arms form a cross layout form with a space reserved in the middle; the feed structure is mounted on the lower-layer bottom plate and located in the middle of the four radiation arms; and the four liquid metal driving control structures are mounted on the lower-layer bottom plate and are respectively used for controlling the lengths of the liquid metal in the pipeline loops of the four radiation arms. The ultra-wideband frequency reconstruction of the antenna can be realized, the polarization reconstruction of the antenna is realized, the reconstruction speed and the reconstruction precision are high, the stability is good, and the repeatability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband oscillator antenna. Background Art

[0002] At present, with the rapid development of satellite-to-earth communication technology, large capacity, large bandwidth and multi-function have become the inevitable trend of future wireless system development. Antennas, as an important component of satellite wireless communication and external environment perception payloads, usually require satellites to carry multiple antennas to meet the needs of receiving and transmitting diverse electromagnetic signals. However, due to the limited size, weight and power consumption of satellite platforms, multiple antennas occupy precious space resources of satellites and bring serious electromagnetic crosstalk problems. In order to solve the above problems, some studies have proposed reconfigurable antennas. Reconfigurable antennas are antennas that realize multiple antenna functions through external drive control.

[0003] Traditional reconfigurable antennas mainly use varactor diodes, PIN diodes, micro-electromechanical system switches, liquid crystal materials, etc. loaded on metal radiators, and realize the on-off switching of the circuit or change the parameter characteristics such as the equivalent capacitance of the circuit by loading voltage. Although this type of reconfigurable antenna has the characteristics of fast response, it is limited by factors such as deformation fatigue of traditional materials and nonlinear effects of circuit components. This type of reconfigurable antenna is difficult to achieve continuous reconstruction of the antenna working frequency band, and there are still great limitations in terms of antenna reconstruction bandwidth.

[0004] Since liquid metal has the advantages of strong fluidity and good conductivity, applying it to the design of reconfigurable antennas can give the antennas plasticity that traditional solid metal antennas do not have. Compared with traditional solid metal antennas, its good flow characteristics can achieve physical form reconstruction in a larger range, thereby achieving a wider frequency reconstruction range, achieving ultra-wideband and multi-functional reconstruction of the antenna, and ensuring that the antenna can meet the satellite platform's diverse RF signal transmission and reception requirements. For this reason, the design of liquid metal antennas has become a new research hotspot in the antenna field in recent years.

[0005] The paper "A compound frequency-and polarization-reconfigurable crossed dipole using multidirectional spreading of liquid metal" published in "IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters" discloses a cross-diopole antenna in which frequency and polarization are reconfigured by an electrochemical method. By encapsulating gallium-indium alloy and sodium hydroxide solution in a prefabricated pipe of acrylic material, an external DC voltage is used to independently control the length of the liquid metal in the pipe, thereby achieving broadband reconstruction of the antenna operating frequency from 0.8 to 3 GHz. However, since the reconstruction method of liquid metal requires a precise voltage source to drive it, it is difficult to achieve miniaturization and lightweight of the antenna configuration. The paper "An UHF reconfigurable liquid-metal monopole antenna based on a 2-D surface" published in "IEEE Transactions on Components Packaging and Manufacturing Technology" discloses a frequency-reconfigurable liquid metal monopole antenna. The antenna radiation size is reconstructed by applying a DC voltage to the gallium-indium alloy and sodium hydroxide solution to control the elongation and contraction of the gallium-indium alloy. The antenna operating frequency band is adjusted within the range of 0.78-2.43 GHz. However, since the gallium-indium alloy liquid metal is not sealed in a closed pipe, its shape may change due to gravity under different placement postures, affecting the actual use of the antenna in complex environments.

[0006] At present, the research on liquid metal antennas mainly uses the fact that liquid metal has both the fluidity of liquid and the conductivity of metal to achieve dynamic reconstruction of antenna radiation characteristics such as frequency, polarization and directional pattern by changing the shape and size of liquid metal. However, the liquid metal antennas that have been made public so far have problems such as low liquid metal adjustment accuracy, poor fluid sealing, long reconstruction time, and low repeatability. It is difficult to achieve ultra-wideband continuous adjustment of the antenna operating frequency, and it is difficult for the liquid metal antennas that have been made public so far to achieve miniaturization and integration of the overall antenna configuration. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to solve some or all of the technical problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0009] Provided is a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna, comprising:

[0010] The antenna bottom plate comprises a lower bottom plate and an upper bottom plate, wherein the area of ​​the lower bottom plate is larger than that of the upper bottom plate, the upper bottom plate is supported and installed above the lower bottom plate by a plurality of metal connecting columns, and a through hole is opened at the center of the upper bottom plate;

[0011] Four antenna pipe radiation arms, the antenna pipe radiation arms are L-shaped, a pipeline loop is arranged in the antenna pipe radiation arm, two ports of the pipeline loop are located at the end surface of the shorter section of the antenna pipe radiation arm, the pipeline loop is filled with liquid metal and insulating mineral oil, the longer section of the antenna pipe radiation arm is parallel to the upper bottom plate, the shorter section of the antenna pipe radiation arm is installed on the lower bottom plate through the through hole of the upper bottom plate, and the four antenna pipe radiation arms form a cross layout with a space in the middle;

[0012] A feeding structure is installed on the lower floor and is located in the middle of the four antenna pipe radiating arms, and the feeding structure is used to feed the four antenna pipe radiating arms in a coupled feeding manner;

[0013] Four liquid metal drive control structures are installed on the lower bottom plate, and the four liquid metal drive control structures are respectively used to control the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop of the four antenna pipeline radiation arms. The liquid metal drive control structure includes a fluid tube and a drive control mechanism. The fluid tube is filled with liquid metal, and the two ends of the fluid tube are respectively connected to the two ports of the pipeline loop of the antenna pipeline radiation arm. The drive control mechanism is used to control the liquid metal in the fluid tube to flow into the pipeline loop.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the number of the metal connection pillars is eight, and the eight metal connection pillars are distributed around the upper base plate.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the antenna pipe radiation arm includes a pipe loop and a pipe shell, the pipe shell is coated outside the pipe loop, and the pipe loop and the pipe shell are integrated and connected by ultrasonic welding.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the liquid metal is a gallium-indium-tin alloy, and the gallium-indium-tin alloy includes the following components by mass percentage: 68.5% of gallium, 21.5% of indium, and 10% of tin.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the fluid tube is a flexible hose, and the drive control mechanism includes: a drive motor, an extrusion driver, and a liquid level detector;

[0018] The two ends of the flexible hose are respectively connected to the two ports of the pipeline loop of the antenna pipeline radiation arm through injection joints, and at least one of the two injection joints connected to the two ends of the flexible hose is provided with a measurement interface;

[0019] The extrusion driver and the drive motor are respectively installed at the lower end of the lower bottom plate, the extrusion driver is cooperatively connected with the flexible hose, the output end of the drive motor is connected with the extrusion driver, and the drive motor can drive the extrusion driver to extrude the flexible hose along the extension direction of the flexible hose when running. The liquid level detector is installed on the measuring interface of the liquid injection joint, and the liquid level detector is used to detect the amount of liquid flowing through the liquid injection joint.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, the extrusion driver includes: a connecting seat, a transmission screw, an extrusion support and a roller;

[0021] The connecting seat is installed at the lower end of the lower base plate, and the connecting seat is respectively provided with a first mounting through hole and a second mounting through hole axially parallel to each other. The transmission screw is rotatably mounted on the connecting seat through the first mounting through hole, and the flexible hose can pass through the second mounting through hole. One end of the transmission screw is connected to the output end of the driving motor, and the extrusion support is threadedly connected to the transmission screw. Two rollers are installed on the extrusion support. When the extrusion support is threadedly connected to the transmission screw and the flexible hose passes through the second mounting through hole, the two rollers are respectively located on both sides of the flexible hose and squeeze the flexible pipe.

[0022] In some optional embodiments, the feeding structure includes: a probe support seat, a coupled cross probe and a radio frequency unit;

[0023] The probe support seat is fixed on the lower bottom plate;

[0024] The coupled cross probe comprises a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet, the first metal sheet comprises a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section and a first transverse section connecting the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, the second metal sheet comprises a third longitudinal section, a fourth longitudinal section and a second transverse section connecting the third longitudinal section and the fourth longitudinal section, the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet are orthogonally arranged on the probe support seat, and there is no contact between the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section of the first metal sheet are respectively parallel to and directly opposite to the shorter sections of two antenna pipe radiating arms, and the third longitudinal section and the fourth longitudinal section of the second metal sheet are respectively parallel to and directly opposite to the shorter sections of the other two antenna pipe radiating arms;

[0025] The radio frequency unit is connected to the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet respectively, and is used to provide radio frequency signals to the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, so that the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet couple and feed the two adjacent antenna pipe radiation arms respectively.

[0026] In some optional embodiments, the first transverse segment of the first metal sheet and the second transverse segment of the second metal sheet are both bent, and the bending depression depth of the first transverse segment is different from the bending depression depth of the second transverse segment, and the probe support seat is provided with a first support portion cooperating with the first transverse segment, and a second support portion cooperating with the second transverse segment.

[0027] In some optional embodiments, a radome is further included, wherein the radome is detachably mounted on the lower floor, and the radome can cover the antenna pipe radiation arm.

[0028] In some optional embodiments, an antenna housing is further included, and the antenna housing is detachably mounted under the lower base plate.

[0029] The main advantages of the technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0030] The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna of the present invention can realize ultra-wideband frequency reconstruction of the antenna and polarization reconstruction of the antenna, and has high reconstruction speed and reconstruction accuracy, good stability and high repeatability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic side view of the overall structure of a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The overall structure of the satellite-borne frequency-polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna is shown as a schematic diagram of the main view;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the coordination structure between an antenna pipe radiation arm and a liquid metal drive control structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic side view of the overall structure of a feeding structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5for Figure 4 The overall structural schematic diagram of the feeding structure shown;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a first metal sheet in the feeding structure shown;

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic side view of the overall structure of another satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the working states of the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by an embodiment of the present invention at different liquid metal lengths;

[0040] Fig. 9 The invention provides a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna with radiation patterns in different frequency bands.

[0041] Description of reference numerals:

[0042] 1-antenna bottom plate, 11-lower bottom plate, 12-upper bottom plate, 13-metal connecting column;

[0043] 2-antenna pipe radiation arm, 21-pipe loop, 22-pipe housing;

[0044] 3-feeding structure, 31-probe support seat, 32-coupled cross probe, 321-first metal sheet, 322-second metal sheet;

[0045] 4-liquid metal drive control structure, 41-fluid pipe, 42-drive motor, 43-extrusion driver, 431-connecting seat, 432-transmission screw, 433-extrusion support, 434-roller, 44-liquid injection joint;

[0046] 5-Radome;

[0047] 6- Antenna housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of the present invention and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] refer to Figure 1-2 The embodiment of the present invention provides a satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna, the antenna comprising:

[0051] The antenna base plate 1 comprises a lower base plate 11 and an upper base plate 12. The area of ​​the lower base plate 11 is larger than that of the upper base plate 12. The upper base plate 12 is supported and installed above the lower base plate 11 through a plurality of metal connecting columns 13. A through hole is provided at the center of the upper base plate 12.

[0052] Four antenna pipe radiation arms 2, the antenna pipe radiation arms 2 are L-shaped, a pipeline loop 21 is arranged in the antenna pipe radiation arm 2, two ports of the pipeline loop 21 are located at the end surface of the shorter section of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2, the pipeline loop 21 is filled with liquid metal and insulating mineral oil, the longer section of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 is parallel to the upper bottom plate 12, the shorter section of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 passes through the through hole of the upper bottom plate 12 and is installed on the lower bottom plate 11, and the four antenna pipe radiation arms 2 form a cross layout with a space in the middle;

[0053] A feeding structure 3 is installed on the lower floor 11 and is located in the middle of the four antenna pipe radiation arms 2. The feeding structure 3 is used to feed the four antenna pipe radiation arms 2 in a coupled feeding manner;

[0054] Four liquid metal drive control structures 4 are installed on the lower base plate 11. The four liquid metal drive control structures 4 are respectively used to control the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 of the four antenna pipeline radiation arms 2. The liquid metal drive control structure 4 includes a fluid tube 41 and a drive control mechanism. The fluid tube 41 is filled with liquid metal. The two ends of the fluid tube 41 are respectively connected to the two ports of the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2. The drive control mechanism is used to control the liquid metal in the fluid tube 41 to flow to the pipeline loop 21.

[0055] It should be noted that the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 and the antenna bottom plate 1 together constitute a radiation structure, and the antenna bottom plate 1 is used to provide impedance matching within a wide frequency band for the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna. Specifically, the upper bottom plate 12 is used to provide impedance matching for the antenna reconfigured to the high frequency band, and the lower bottom plate 11 is used to provide impedance matching for the antenna reconfigured to the low frequency band.

[0056] It should be noted that the liquid metal serves as the radiator of the antenna pipe radiating arm 2 , the insulating mineral oil is used to isolate the liquid metal from the air, and the liquid metal and the insulating mineral oil are encapsulated together in the pipe loop 21 of the antenna pipe radiating arm 2 .

[0057] In the embodiment of the present invention, a through opening is provided on the lower bottom plate 11 , and two ends of the fluid pipe 41 pass through the through opening of the lower bottom plate 11 and are respectively connected to two ports of the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2 .

[0058] In actual use of the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by an embodiment of the present invention, when it is necessary to increase the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2, the liquid metal of the fluid tube 41 is controlled by the driving control mechanism to be injected into the pipeline loop 21 from one end close to the liquid metal filled in the pipeline loop 21, and the insulating mineral oil stored in the pipeline loop 21 is discharged from the other end, thereby increasing the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21; when it is necessary to reduce the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2, the liquid metal of the fluid tube 41 is controlled by the driving control mechanism to flow in the opposite direction, and the insulating mineral oil discharged from the pipeline loop 21 is injected into the pipeline loop 21 under the push of the liquid metal in the fluid tube 41, and part of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 is discharged back to the fluid tube 41, thereby reducing the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21. When the antenna polarization needs to be reconstructed, different forms of RF signals are applied to the feeding structure 3 according to the antenna polarization requirements. The feeding structure 3 feeds the four antenna pipe radiation arms 2 in a coupled feeding manner based on the applied different forms of RF signals, thereby realizing the polarization reconstruction of the antenna.

[0059] The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by the embodiment of the present invention utilizes the characteristics of the fluidity and high conductivity of liquid metal at room temperature, injects liquid metal and sealing insulating oil into the pipeline loop 21 of the prefabricated antenna pipeline radiation arm 2, and uses the fluid field to drive the liquid metal to be injected or discharged from the pipeline loop 21 to change the mutual position of the liquid metal and insulating oil liquid levels in the pipeline loop 21, thereby dynamically adjusting the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21, and realizing the dynamic regulation of the deformation of the radiator length. Since liquid metal has good fluidity at room temperature, the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 can be adjusted by using the fluid field drive method, which can significantly improve the reconstruction speed and reconstruction accuracy. In addition, by filling the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2 with a multi-component fluid composed of liquid metal and insulating oil, the problem of unstable liquid metal liquid level can be solved, and the stability of the two-phase liquid level under vibration and impact conditions can be increased, which can effectively cope with various complex environments of the antenna working on orbit, and improve the stability and reliability of the overall working performance of the antenna. In addition, by utilizing the physical deformation of liquid metal to achieve frequency reconstruction, nonlinear effects and losses can be avoided without adding additional RF circuit elements.

[0060] It can be seen that the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention can achieve ultra-wideband frequency reconstruction of the antenna by adjusting the length of the liquid metal in the pipe loop 21 of the antenna pipe radiating arm 2, and can achieve antenna polarization reconstruction by adjusting the feeding phase of two pairs of orthogonal antenna pipe radiating arms 2 using the feeding structure 3.

[0061] Furthermore, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the number of metal connection pillars 13 is eight, and the eight metal connection pillars 13 are distributed around the upper base plate 12 .

[0062] By arranging eight metal connection posts 13 between the upper bottom plate 12 and the lower bottom plate 11 and distributing the eight metal connection posts 13 around the upper bottom plate 12 , the impedance matching effect of the antenna in the low frequency band can be further improved.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 Furthermore, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 includes a pipe loop 21 and a pipe shell 22, the pipe shell 22 is covered outside the pipe loop 21, and the pipe loop 21 and the pipe shell 22 are integrated and connected by ultrasonic welding.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present invention, the pipe loop 21 is covered with the pipe shell 22, so that the antenna pipe radiating arm 2 of the desired configuration can be obtained, and the connection and coordination between the antenna pipe radiating arm 2 and other components can be facilitated. At the same time, the pipe shell 22 can protect the pipe loop 21 and reduce the impact of ultraviolet radiation.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present invention, the material of the pipe is polymethyl acrylate or acrylic.

[0066] Furthermore, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid metal is a gallium-indium-tin alloy, and the gallium-indium-tin alloy includes the following components by mass percentage: 68.5% of gallium, 21.5% of indium, and 10% of tin.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present invention, the conductivity of the gallium indium tin alloy used is 3.46×10 6 S / m, melting point is 6-10°C, and it is liquid at room temperature.

[0068] By using the gallium indium tin alloy defined above as the liquid metal of the antenna, it is possible to ensure that the liquid metal has excellent flow and conductivity characteristics, improve the frequency reconstruction speed and reconstruction accuracy of the antenna, and ensure that the antenna has excellent radiation efficiency.

[0069] refer to Figure 3, Further, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the fluid tube 41 is a flexible hose, and the drive control mechanism includes: a drive motor 42, an extrusion driver 43 and a liquid level detector;

[0070] The two ends of the flexible hose are connected to the two ports of the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2 through the injection joints 44 respectively, and at least one of the two injection joints 44 connected to the two ends of the flexible hose is provided with a measurement interface;

[0071] The extrusion driver 43 and the drive motor 42 are respectively installed at the lower end of the lower base plate 11, the extrusion driver 43 is connected with the flexible hose, and the output end of the drive motor 42 is connected to the extrusion driver 43. When the drive motor 42 is running, it can drive the extrusion driver 43 to extrude the flexible hose along the extension direction of the flexible hose. The liquid level detector is installed on the measuring interface of the liquid injection joint 44, and the liquid level detector is used to detect the amount of liquid flowing through the liquid injection joint 44.

[0072] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the extrusion driver 43 is driven by the driving motor 42 to move, and the extrusion driver 43 starts to move and squeezes the flexible hose along the extension direction of the flexible hose, so that the liquid metal in the flexible hose can be injected into the pipeline loop 21 of the antenna pipeline radiation arm 2 through the injection joint 44 at one end, and the insulating mineral oil in the pipeline loop 21 is discharged into the flexible hose from the injection joint 44 at the other end, thereby increasing the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21. When the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 needs to be reduced later, the extrusion driver 43 is driven by the driving motor 42 to move in the opposite direction, and the extrusion driver 43 starts to move and squeezes the flexible hose along the extension direction of the flexible hose, so that the insulating mineral oil discharged into the flexible hose can be re-injected into the pipeline loop 21 from the injection joint 44 at the other end, and the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 is discharged back into the flexible hose from the injection joint 44, thereby reducing the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21.

[0073] It should be noted that the movement of the extrusion driver 43 in two directions is achieved by controlling the drive motor 42 to rotate forward and reverse. When the drive motor 42 rotates forward, the extrusion driver 43 moves in a specified direction; when the drive motor 42 rotates reversely, the extrusion driver 43 moves in the opposite direction of the specified direction.

[0074] It should be noted that in the attached Figure 3 In the figure, the liquid level detector is not shown.

[0075] It should be noted that the liquid level detector can adopt any existing structure or equipment as long as it can achieve the above-defined functions.

[0076] Optionally, the flexible hose is made of silicone material with an operating temperature of -50°C to 135°C. It can resist ultraviolet radiation and meet the needs of alternating high and low temperatures and strong radiation environments in space environments.

[0077] refer to Figure 3 , further, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the extrusion driver 43 includes: a connecting seat 431, a transmission screw 432, an extrusion support 433 and a roller 434;

[0078] The connecting seat 431 is installed at the lower end of the lower base plate 11, and the connecting seat 431 is respectively provided with a first mounting through hole and a second mounting through hole which are axially parallel to each other. The transmission screw 432 is rotatably installed on the connecting seat 431 through the first mounting through hole, and the flexible hose can pass through the second mounting through hole. One end of the transmission screw 432 is connected to the output end of the driving motor 42, and the extrusion support 433 is threadedly connected to the transmission screw 432. Two rollers 434 are installed on the extrusion support 433. When the extrusion support 433 is threadedly connected to the transmission screw 432 and the flexible hose passes through the second mounting through hole, the two rollers 434 are respectively located on both sides of the flexible hose and squeeze the flexible pipe.

[0079] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, when it is necessary to adjust the length of the liquid metal in the pipe loop 21 of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2, the drive motor 42 is started, and the rotation of the drive motor 42 synchronously drives the transmission screw 432 to rotate. The rotation of the transmission screw 432 causes the extrusion support 433 to move along the transmission screw 432. While the extrusion support 433 moves along the transmission screw 432, the roller 434 on the extrusion support 433 moves along the extension direction of the flexible hose and squeezes the flexible hose. After the deformation, the flexible hose generates a forward or backward driving force on the internal liquid, so that the liquid metal flows into or out of the pipe loop 21 of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the above-mentioned driving control mechanism, the adjustment efficiency and adjustment accuracy of the liquid metal length in the pipe loop 21 of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 can be improved, thereby improving the frequency reconstruction speed and reconstruction accuracy of the antenna.

[0081] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the drive motor 42 is a stepper motor, which can facilitate the control of the extrusion driver 43 and ensure the control accuracy of the extrusion driver 43, thereby ensuring the length adjustment accuracy of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21.

[0082] Optionally, the driving force of the driving motor 42 is 3N, and the minimum control step is 0.02mm.

[0083] refer to Figure 4-6, further, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the feeding structure 3 includes: a probe support seat 31, a coupled cross probe 32 and a radio frequency unit;

[0084] The probe support seat 31 is fixed on the lower bottom plate 11;

[0085] The coupled cross probe 32 includes a first metal sheet 321 and a second metal sheet 322. The first metal sheet 321 includes a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section and a first transverse section connecting the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section. The second metal sheet 322 includes a third longitudinal section, a fourth longitudinal section and a second transverse section connecting the third longitudinal section and the fourth longitudinal section. The first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 are orthogonally arranged on the probe support seat 31, and there is no contact between the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322. The first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section of the first metal sheet 321 are respectively parallel to and opposite to the shorter sections of the two antenna pipe radiation arms 2, and the third longitudinal section and the fourth longitudinal section of the second metal sheet 322 are respectively parallel to and opposite to the shorter sections of the other two antenna pipe radiation arms 2.

[0086] The radio frequency unit is connected to the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 respectively, and is used to provide radio frequency signals to the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 so that the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 couple and feed the two adjacent antenna pipe radiation arms 2 respectively.

[0087] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the polarization reconstruction of the antenna is achieved by switching the feeding phases of the two pairs of antenna pipe radiation arms 2 corresponding to the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322. Specifically, when two RF signals with the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90° are applied to the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 respectively, right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization can be achieved; when two RF signals with the same amplitude and phase are applied to the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 respectively, linear polarization can be achieved.

[0088] refer to Figure 4-6 Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, in order to facilitate the installation arrangement of the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322, the first transverse section of the first metal sheet 321 and the second transverse section of the second metal sheet 322 are both bent, and the bending recess depth of the first transverse section is different from the bending recess depth of the second transverse section, and the probe support seat 31 is provided with a first support portion cooperating with the first transverse section, and a second support portion cooperating with the second transverse section.

[0089] In this way, the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 can be arranged orthogonally on the probe support seat 31 , and it is ensured that there is no contact between the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 .

[0090] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first longitudinal segment of the first metal sheet 321 is greater than that of the second longitudinal segment, and a first protrusion is provided on the first longitudinal segment; the length of the third longitudinal segment of the second metal sheet 322 is greater than that of the fourth longitudinal segment, and a second protrusion is provided on the third longitudinal segment; and a first groove that cooperates with the first protrusion and a second groove that cooperates with the second protrusion are provided on the probe support seat 31.

[0091] By providing the above structure, it is possible to facilitate the connection between the metal sheet and the probe support seat 31 and ensure the connection strength while ensuring that the metal sheet can achieve the required function.

[0092] Optionally, the first metal sheet 321 and the second metal sheet 322 are made of brass.

[0093] It should be noted that in the attached Figure 4-5 The radio frequency unit is not shown.

[0094] It should be noted that the radio frequency unit may adopt any existing structure or device as long as it can achieve the above-defined functions.

[0095] refer to Figure 7 Furthermore, in one implementation of an embodiment of the present invention, the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband oscillator antenna also includes a radome 5, which is detachably mounted on the lower base plate 11, and the radome 5 can cover the antenna pipe radiation arm 2.

[0096] Optionally, the material of the antenna cover 5 is polyimide with a dielectric constant of 3.2.

[0097] By providing the antenna cover 5, the antenna can be protected from ultraviolet radiation and the antenna can be kept at a suitable working temperature.

[0098] refer to Figure 7 Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna also includes an antenna housing 6, and the antenna housing 6 is detachably mounted under the lower bottom plate 11.

[0099] Optionally, the antenna housing 6 is made of aluminum alloy.

[0100] Furthermore, in one implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the height of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 is 28 mm, the lateral length is 55 mm, the cross-sectional size of the pipe loop 21 in the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 is 0.5 mm × 3 mm, the initial length of the liquid metal filled in the pipe loop 21 in the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 is 3 mm, and the length of the liquid metal in the pipe loop 21 can be continuously changed to 45 mm; the area of ​​the lower bottom plate 11 is 114 mm × 114 mm, and the area of ​​the upper bottom plate 12 is 53 mm ×53mm, the spacing between the lower bottom plate 11 and the upper bottom plate 12 is 12mm, the spacing between the upper bottom plate 12 and the longer section of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 is 13.5mm, and the spacing between the lower bottom plate 11 and the longer section of the antenna pipe radiation arm 2 is 25.6mm; the height of the metal connecting column 13 is 12mm and the diameter is 4mm; the height of the metal sheet is 23mm and the width of the metal sheet is 1.5mm; the size of the antenna cover 5 is 120mm×120mm, and the thickness of the antenna cover 5 is 3mm.

[0101] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 The schematic diagram of the working state of the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by the embodiment of the present invention under different liquid metal lengths. Figure 8 As shown, based on the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by the above embodiment of the present invention, when the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 changes continuously from 3 mm to 45 mm, the corresponding antenna's operating frequency band can change continuously from 1.6 GHz to 6 GHz. Figure 8 In the diagram, VSWR stands for Standing Wave Ratio.

[0102] Since the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop 21 is continuously variable during the reconstruction process of the liquid metal, the actual achievable reconstruction state is more than the above-mentioned additional state. Figure 8 The eight states are shown.

[0103] refer to Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 The radiation patterns of the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna in different frequency bands provided by the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9As shown, the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by the embodiment of the present invention has a maximum gain of 7dBi and a 3dB beam width of 65° in the two reconfigured frequency bands of 1.7GHz and 2.5GHz; the maximum gain of the antenna is 4.8dBi and the 3dB beam width is 140° in the two reconfigured frequency bands of 4GHz and 5.2GHz. It can be seen that the satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna provided by the embodiment of the present invention maintains good radiation characteristics in different reconfiguration states, maintains high gain and wide-angle signal receiving and transmitting directional patterns in both low-frequency and high-frequency reconfiguration frequency bands, and can ensure the use effect of the antenna in various satellite-borne scenarios.

[0104] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In addition, "front", "back", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" in this article are all referenced to the placement state shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0105] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna, characterized in that: include: The antenna bottom plate comprises a lower bottom plate and an upper bottom plate, wherein the area of ​​the lower bottom plate is larger than that of the upper bottom plate, the upper bottom plate is supported and installed above the lower bottom plate by a plurality of metal connecting columns, and a through hole is opened at the center of the upper bottom plate; Four antenna pipe radiation arms, the antenna pipe radiation arms are L-shaped, a pipeline loop is arranged in the antenna pipe radiation arm, two ports of the pipeline loop are located at the end surface of the shorter section of the antenna pipe radiation arm, the pipeline loop is filled with liquid metal and insulating mineral oil, the longer section of the antenna pipe radiation arm is parallel to the upper bottom plate, the shorter section of the antenna pipe radiation arm is installed on the lower bottom plate through the through hole of the upper bottom plate, and the four antenna pipe radiation arms form a cross layout with a space in the middle; A feeding structure is installed on the lower floor and is located in the middle of the four antenna pipe radiating arms, and the feeding structure is used to feed the four antenna pipe radiating arms in a coupled feeding manner; Four liquid metal drive control structures are installed on the lower bottom plate, and the four liquid metal drive control structures are respectively used to control the length of the liquid metal in the pipeline loop of the four antenna pipeline radiation arms. The liquid metal drive control structure includes a fluid tube and a drive control mechanism. The fluid tube is filled with liquid metal, and the two ends of the fluid tube are respectively connected to the two ports of the pipeline loop of the antenna pipeline radiation arm. The drive control mechanism is used to control the liquid metal in the fluid tube to flow into the pipeline loop.

2. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal connection pillars include eight, and the eight metal connection pillars are distributed around the upper bottom plate.

3. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna pipe radiation arm comprises a pipe loop and a pipe shell. The pipe shell is covered outside the pipe loop. The pipe loop and the pipe shell are integrated and connected by ultrasonic welding.

4. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid metal is a gallium-indium-tin alloy, and the gallium-indium-tin alloy includes the following components by mass percentage: 68.5% gallium, 21.5% indium, and 10% tin.

5. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid pipe is a flexible hose, and the drive control mechanism includes: a drive motor, an extrusion driver and a liquid level detector; The two ends of the flexible hose are respectively connected to the two ports of the pipeline loop of the antenna pipeline radiation arm through injection joints, and at least one of the two injection joints connected to the two ends of the flexible hose is provided with a measurement interface; The extrusion driver and the drive motor are respectively installed at the lower end of the lower bottom plate, the extrusion driver is cooperatively connected with the flexible hose, the output end of the drive motor is connected with the extrusion driver, and the drive motor can drive the extrusion driver to extrude the flexible hose along the extension direction of the flexible hose when running. The liquid level detector is installed on the measuring interface of the liquid injection joint, and the liquid level detector is used to detect the amount of liquid flowing through the liquid injection joint.

6. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that: The extrusion type driver comprises: a connecting seat, a transmission screw, an extrusion support and a roller; The connecting seat is installed at the lower end of the lower base plate, and the connecting seat is respectively provided with a first mounting through hole and a second mounting through hole axially parallel to each other. The transmission screw is rotatably mounted on the connecting seat through the first mounting through hole, and the flexible hose can pass through the second mounting through hole. One end of the transmission screw is connected to the output end of the driving motor, and the extrusion support is threadedly connected to the transmission screw. Two rollers are installed on the extrusion support. When the extrusion support is threadedly connected to the transmission screw and the flexible hose passes through the second mounting through hole, the two rollers are respectively located on both sides of the flexible hose and squeeze the flexible pipe.

7. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding structure comprises: a probe support seat, a coupled cross probe and a radio frequency unit; The probe support seat is fixed on the lower bottom plate; The coupled cross probe comprises a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet, the first metal sheet comprises a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section and a first transverse section connecting the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section, the second metal sheet comprises a third longitudinal section, a fourth longitudinal section and a second transverse section connecting the third longitudinal section and the fourth longitudinal section, the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet are orthogonally arranged on the probe support seat, and there is no contact between the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section of the first metal sheet are respectively parallel to and directly opposite to the shorter sections of two antenna pipe radiating arms, and the third longitudinal section and the fourth longitudinal section of the second metal sheet are respectively parallel to and directly opposite to the shorter sections of the other two antenna pipe radiating arms; The radio frequency unit is connected to the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet respectively, and is used to provide radio frequency signals to the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, so that the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet couple and feed the two adjacent antenna pipe radiation arms respectively.

8. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first transverse section of the first metal sheet and the second transverse section of the second metal sheet are both bent, and the bending depression depth of the first transverse section is different from the bending depression depth of the second transverse section. The probe support seat is provided with a first support portion cooperating with the first transverse section, and a second support portion cooperating with the second transverse section.

9. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes a radome which is detachably mounted on the lower floor and can cover the antenna pipe radiation arm.

10. The satellite-borne frequency polarization reconfigurable liquid metal broadband dipole antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes an antenna housing, which is detachably mounted under the lower floor panel.

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