A marine flexible phased array antenna probe device with airbag traction deployment

Abstract

The application provides a marine flexible phased array antenna detection device with airbag traction unfolding, comprising a diving cabin, a floating mechanism, a launching device and a signal receiving mechanism; the floating mechanism adopts a spherical airbag structure and is connected to the top of the launching device through a rope, and the floating mechanism has a detection mechanism; the launching device is fixed to the bottom of the cabin; the signal receiving mechanism is fixed to the cabin cover; the detection mechanism comprises a central support frame, at least three phased array antenna arrays and a cable net structure connecting the inner wall of the floating mechanism and the phased array antenna arrays; the phased array antenna array adopts a structure comprising a planar airbag. The floating mechanism and the phased array antenna array of the application adopt a folding structure comprising an airbag structure, and when working, the floating mechanism is inflated and drives the phased array antenna array to unfold from a storage state to a planar state, and under the same detection range, the volume is smaller, meanwhile, the phased array antenna array can dynamically adjust the beam, the signal transmission is stable, the detection precision is effectively improved and the detection range is widened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine exploration technology and relates to a marine exploration device, specifically a floating marine exploration device that uses an airbag-traction exploration mechanism. It can be used for marine scientific research, marine resource exploration, marine environmental monitoring, marine safety monitoring, and marine disaster monitoring and early warning. Background Technology

[0002] Marine exploration devices include those used for marine scientific research, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, safety monitoring, or disaster monitoring and early warning. These include devices that utilize acoustic, optical, and biochemical technologies to observe and study marine life, as well as those that use electromagnetic wave detection for maritime navigation and positioning. For example, by receiving signals transmitted by satellites, the position and course of ships or aircraft can be accurately determined, improving the efficiency of maritime rescue. For instance, a patent document entitled "A Positionable Floating Marine Exploration Device" (application number: CN201910364355, publication number: CN110116785A) discloses a floating marine exploration device, including a bottom-grabbing anchor, a detection and positioning platform, and a rapid ascent mechanism. This invention deploys several hydrophone units on the detection and positioning platform. The upper and lower parts of the platform are connected to the rapid ascent mechanism and the bottom-grabbing anchor with an acoustic positioning beacon, respectively. The platform's position is comprehensively and accurately located using positioning methods. Furthermore, the rapid ascent mechanism can quickly ascend, promptly transmit information, return to its original position, and provide deep-sea exploration data. However, the communication antenna used in this invention has a fixed structure, which on the one hand leads to the large size of the detection device, and on the other hand, the fixed antenna structure cannot dynamically adjust the beam direction, and the signal is prone to greater attenuation during transmission, which will have a significant impact on the detection accuracy and detection range. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art and propose a marine flexible phased array antenna detection device that is deployed by airbag, aiming to achieve miniaturization and improve detection accuracy and range.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a diving chamber 1 consisting of a hull and a canopy, a surfacing mechanism 2, a transmitting device 3, and a signal receiving mechanism 4; the surfacing mechanism 2 is located above the transmitting device 3 and connected to it by a rope 5, and a detection mechanism 6 is installed inside the surfacing mechanism 2; the transmitting device 3 is fixed to the bottom of the hull; the signal receiving mechanism 4 is fixed to the canopy; the surfacing mechanism 2 adopts a spherical airbag structure; the detection mechanism 6 includes a central support frame 61 and at least three phased array antennas 62 movably connected to it, as well as a cable net structure 63 for connecting the inner wall of the surfacing mechanism 6 to each phased array antenna 62; the phased array antenna 62 adopts a folding structure including a planar airbag 621;

[0005] Under the control of the detection signal received by the signal receiving mechanism 4, the transmitting device 3 drives the buoyancy mechanism 2 to pop out of the cabin; at the same time, the buoyancy mechanism 2 is inflated, and the phased array antenna 62 is pulled by the cable net structure 63 connected to the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism 2, and under the action of the planar airbag 621, it unfolds into a planar shape around the central support frame 61.

[0006] As an optimization, the cabin adopts a cylindrical cavity structure made of rigid metal material.

[0007] As an optimization, the launching device 3 includes a projectile, a driver, and a microprocessor for controlling the detection signal and the driver.

[0008] As an optimization, the central support frame 61 is provided with a plurality of rectangular slots that are parallel to its central axis and evenly arranged circumferentially. Each rectangular slot is equipped with a support frame 63 that can rotate relative to the central support frame 61 and is used to connect with each phased array antenna 62. The top of the central support frame 61 is equipped with a transmitting antenna 8 for transmitting information processed by the phased array antenna 62.

[0009] As an optimization, the cable net structure 63 includes multiple ropes located on the same plane, with one end connected to the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism 2 via a hook, and the other end connected to each phased array antenna 62.

[0010] As an optimization, the phased array antenna 62 further includes a plurality of unconnected radio frequency front-ends 622 fixed on the planar airbag 621 when deployed, and fiber optic grating sensors 623 located between adjacent radio frequency front-ends 622.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0012] 1. The buoyancy mechanism of the present invention adopts an airbag structure, and the phased array antenna adopts a folding structure including a planar airbag. When working, the buoyancy mechanism inflates and drives the phased array antenna from the stored state to the planar state, avoiding the defects of the prior art that have high requirements for strength and stability, and has a small volume under the premise of a determined detection range.

[0013] 2. The detection mechanism of the present invention includes at least three phased array antennas, which can dynamically adjust the beamforming and directivity. Moreover, the phased array antennas are not prone to attenuation during signal transmission. Compared with the prior art, this effectively improves the detection accuracy and expands the detection range. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the phased array antenna of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the phased array antenna structure of the present invention. Detailed implementation method:

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention includes a diving chamber 1 consisting of a hull and a canopy, a buoyancy mechanism 2, a transmitting device 3, and a signal receiving mechanism 4; the buoyancy mechanism 2 is located above the transmitting device 3 and connected to it by a rope 5, and a detection mechanism 6 is installed inside the buoyancy mechanism 2; the transmitting device 3 is fixed to the bottom of the hull; the signal receiving mechanism 4 is fixed to the canopy; the buoyancy mechanism 2 adopts a spherical airbag structure; the detection mechanism 6 includes a central support frame 61 and at least three phased array antennas 62 movably connected to it, and a cable net structure 63 for connecting the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism 6 to each phased array antenna 62; the phased array antenna 62 adopts a folding structure including a planar airbag 621.

[0020] The cabin is a cylindrical cavity structure made of rigid metal material. Rigid metal materials can be titanium alloy, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc. In this embodiment, stainless steel is used.

[0021] The buoyancy mechanism 2 adopts a spherical airbag structure. When it is not inflated, it is in a folded state and stored inside the diving chamber 1 to reduce the overall size of the device. When inflated, its volume expands rapidly, increasing its buoyancy and driving the internal detection mechanism 6 to rise to the sea surface.

[0022] The launching device 3 includes a projectile, a driver, and a microprocessor for controlling the detection signal and the driver. The microprocessor activates the driver inside the launching device 3 based on the received detection signal; the driver is used to drive the projectile.

[0023] The signal receiving mechanism 4 is fixedly welded to the hatch of the diving chamber and is used to receive detection signals from the external control center. The received signals are transmitted to the microprocessor inside the launching device to drive the catapult to launch the floating mechanism 2 above at an extremely high speed.

[0024] The rope 5 is made of high-strength synthetic fiber material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or aramid. In this embodiment, polyethylene is selected as the rope material. After the launching device 3 ejects the buoyancy mechanism 2 out of the diving chamber 1, the rope connects the launching device 3 and the buoyancy mechanism 2, serving as an anchor to prevent the buoyancy mechanism 2 from drifting.

[0025] The detection mechanism 6 includes a central support frame 61 and at least three phased array antennas 62 movably connected thereto, as well as a cable net structure 63 for connecting the inner wall of the levitation mechanism 6 to each phased array antenna 62. This example uses four phased array antennas, which, when deployed, can surround the central support frame 61 in a 360° manner, providing omnidirectional horizontal coverage of the surrounding area and offering extensive signal reception and transmission capabilities.

[0026] The central support frame 61 has multiple rectangular slots that are parallel to its central axis and evenly arranged circumferentially. Each rectangular slot contains a support structure 611 that can rotate relative to the central support frame 61 and is used to connect to each phased array antenna 62.

[0027] The cable net structure 63 includes multiple ropes located on the same plane, with one end connected to the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism 2 via multiple hooks 631, and the other end connected to each phased array antenna 62. The cable net structure 63 transmits tension to the phased array antenna 62 through multiple small hooks 633 fixed to it, causing it to be stressed and unfold its array surface. The use of multiple hooks 631 ensures uniform force distribution, preventing uneven stretching of the phased array antenna 62's array surface during the stretching process. In this example, 10 ropes are used to form the cable net structure, and the length of the ropes 2 and the position of the hooks 631 are rationally planned to maintain a certain tilt angle on the phased array antenna 62, allowing it to better receive electromagnetic waves from above.

[0028] The phased array antenna 62 has the following structure: Figure 3 and 4 As shown, a foldable structure is adopted, including a planar airbag 621, multiple non-connected radio frequency (RF) front-ends 622 fixed to the planar airbag 621 when unfolded, and fiber Bragg grating sensors 623 located between adjacent RF front-ends 622. Each RF front-end 622 includes an antenna 6221, a TR component 6222, and a control and signal processing circuit package 6223. The TR component 6222 controls the transmission, reception, and processing of signals from the antenna 6221. The control and signal processing circuit package 6223 is integrated into a rigid cuboid package, improving system integration, saving space, and simplifying system connections and wiring, while maintaining the planarity of the phased array antenna 62. The planar airbag 621 is located behind the RF front-ends 622 and is used to fix the RF front-ends 622, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 When not deployed, the phased array antenna 62 is in a one-dimensional folded state. The control and signal processing circuit package 623 within the RF front-end 622, due to its rigid material, acts as umbrella ribs when folded. Conversely, the planar airbag 621, made of flexible material, acts as the umbrella canopy when folded. This combination of rigid and flexible materials further improves the packing ratio of the phased array antenna 62. The fiber optic grating sensor 623, used to measure strain, includes an optical fiber 6231 and a strain sensor 6232. When the optical fiber 6231 is subjected to strain, the period of the grating structure changes, causing a shift in the wavelength of the incident light. By measuring this wavelength shift using the strain sensor 6232, the magnitude of the strain can be determined.

[0029] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When the invention sinks below the sea surface, it relies on its own buoyancy and gravity to maintain a dormant state at a depth of about 200 meters below the sea surface until the control center sends a start detection signal. After the signal receiving mechanism 4 detects the signal sent by the control center, it transmits the signal to the microprocessor in the transmitting device 3. The microprocessor determines whether the signal is a detection signal. If it is determined to be a detection signal, the microprocessor controls the driver in the transmitting device 3 to drive the catapult to eject the buoy mechanism 2 above the launching mechanism 3 from the cabin. At the same time, the buoy mechanism 2 is inflated, which causes the detection mechanism 6 inside the buoy mechanism 2 to float to the sea surface. One end of the cable net structure 63 is attached to multiple hooks 631 on the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism 2 and connected to the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism 2 through them. The other end is attached to a small hook 633 on the phased array antenna 62 inside the detection mechanism 2 and connected to the phased array antenna 62 through it. As the buoyancy mechanism 2 floats to the sea surface, since the buoyancy mechanism 2 adopts a spherical airbag structure, the spherical airbag structure expands while being inflated, generating a pulling force on the phased array antenna 62 through the cable net structure 63, causing the phased array antenna 62 to unfold.

[0030] As the buoyancy mechanism 2 inflates and pulls the phased array antenna 62 to unfold, the planar airbag 621 also begins to inflate and expand, pulling the radio frequency front-end 622 fixed on its surface from a folded state to a planar shape. When the planar airbag 621 expands to a critical pressure, its rigidity increases, and the radio frequency front-end 622 is integrated into a rigid cuboid package, thereby minimizing the strain generated by the planar airbag 621 during operation, maintaining a constant distance between adjacent radio frequency front-ends 622, and thus maintaining the planarity of the phased array antenna 62 after unfolding. The fiber optic grating sensor 623 can be used to measure the strain of the planar airbag 621 to monitor in real time whether there is incomplete unfolding during the unfolding process, which could lead to displacement in some areas. By monitoring the strain, unfolding problems can be identified in a timely manner and corresponding measures can be taken to ensure that the planar airbag 621 is fully unfolded and to avoid the displacement problem of the radio frequency front-end 622. After the buoyancy mechanism 2 floats to the sea surface, the support frame 611, which is in a retracted state, unfolds to support multiple phased array antennas and prevents them from sinking inward due to the swaying caused by the waves on the sea surface, thereby maintaining the flatness of the phased array antenna 62 and ensuring the accuracy, directivity and uniformity of the antenna beam.

[0031] When the detection mechanism 6 begins operation, the phased array antenna 62 starts emitting detection electromagnetic waves. When other aircraft or ships enter the detection range of the phased array antenna 62, the phased array antenna 62 adjusts the phase and amplitude of each element to emit electromagnetic waves, forming one or more beams. This concentrates the electromagnetic wave energy in a specific direction, enabling the detection and positioning of aircraft or ships. If the aircraft or ship is an illegal one, a warning message is sent, and its position information is transmitted to the control center. If the aircraft or ship is missing information due to navigation failure or severe weather, its location is determined, and navigation information is sent based on its position to participate in maritime rescue. When receiving electromagnetic waves from the control center or other sources, the phased array antenna 62 can improve the received signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio by beamforming and directing the received signal.

Claims

1. A marine flexible phased array antenna detection device with airbag-assisted deployment, comprising a submersible (1) consisting of a hull and a canopy, a buoyancy mechanism (2), a transmitting device (3), and a signal receiving mechanism (4); the buoyancy mechanism (2) is disposed above the transmitting device (3) and connected to it by a rope (5), and a detection mechanism (6) is installed inside the buoyancy mechanism (2); the transmitting device (3) is fixed to the bottom of the hull; the signal receiving mechanism (4) is fixed to the canopy; characterized in that, The buoyancy mechanism (2) adopts a spherical airbag structure; the detection mechanism (6) includes a central support frame (61) and at least three phased array antennas (62) movably connected thereto, as well as a cable net structure (63) for connecting the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism (2) to each phased array antenna (62); the phased array antenna (62) adopts a folding structure including a planar airbag (621); Under the control of the detection signal received by the signal receiving mechanism (4), the transmitting device (3) drives the buoyancy mechanism (2) to pop out of the cabin; at the same time, the buoyancy mechanism (2) is inflated, and the phased array antenna (62) is pulled by the cable net structure (63) connected to the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism (2) and unfolds into a plane around the central support frame (61) under the action of the planar airbag (621).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabin is a cylindrical cavity structure made of rigid metal material.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The launching device (3) includes a projectile, a driver, and a microprocessor for controlling the detection signal and the driver.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central support frame (61) is provided with a plurality of rectangular slots that are parallel to its central axis and evenly arranged in the circumference. Each rectangular slot is equipped with a support frame (611) that can rotate relative to the central support frame (61) and is used to connect with each phased array antenna (62). The top of the central support frame (61) is equipped with a transmitting antenna (8) for transmitting information processed by the phased array antenna (62).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable net structure (63) includes multiple ropes located on the same plane, with one end connected to the inner wall of the buoyancy mechanism (2) via a hook, and the other end connected to each phased array antenna (62).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phased array antenna (62) also includes a plurality of non-connected radio frequency front ends (622) fixed on a planar airbag (621) when deployed, and fiber optic grating sensors (623) located between adjacent radio frequency front ends (622).

Images