Pressure-resistant self-sealing high-transmission antenna radome and antenna
By combining a biconical support structure with low dielectric constant materials, the problems of wave transmission performance and sealing performance of the underwater radome were solved, achieving lightweight design and high-efficiency communication, suitable for deep-sea environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHENGDU CHUANGYIJIA TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
The existing threaded connection structure of underwater radomes leads to reduced wave transmission performance, high manufacturing complexity, difficult maintenance and high cost, making it difficult to meet the sealing and communication requirements in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea.
The pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome adopts a double-cone support structure. The double-cone support structure disperses the external water pressure and structural support force to the radome wall in the circumferential direction. Combined with low dielectric constant materials and multiple sealing structures, it achieves a thin-walled design and self-sealing function.
It significantly improves the antenna's wave transmission performance and sealing stability, reduces material usage and maintenance costs, and is suitable for reliable communication in complex deep-sea environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN121939128B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of radome structure design technology, specifically relating to a pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome and antenna. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of marine resource development and underwater exploration technology, the performance requirements for antenna systems in various underwater unmanned vehicles, deep-sea operation platforms, and other equipment are increasing. As a key component for communication and navigation, the antenna typically needs to be exposed to the outside of the equipment to ensure effective signal transmission and reception. However, the deep-sea environment has extremely high water pressure and complex corrosive conditions, requiring antennas to have reliable sealing structures and sufficient pressure resistance. The radome, as a protective device for the antenna, not only needs to ensure good watertightness but also should minimize signal obstruction and attenuation to ensure communication efficiency.
[0003] Currently, in existing technologies, the radomes of such underwater equipment generally adopt a structure with threaded connections and sealant. Specifically, the radome and the antenna support are mechanically connected by threads, and sealant is applied to the threaded mating surfaces to enhance watertightness. This structure can meet basic sealing and fixation requirements to a certain extent, but it has many shortcomings in practical applications.
[0004] First, from the perspective of wave transmission performance, traditional threaded connection structures typically require thick shrouds and complex connection parts. These structures significantly obstruct and reflect antenna signals, leading to a decrease in antenna wave transmission performance and directly affecting the antenna's radiation efficiency and communication quality. This impact is particularly pronounced in high-frequency bands or applications sensitive to signal loss. Second, in terms of structural design and manufacturing processes, thread machining requires high precision and specialized equipment, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost. Furthermore, the use of sealant not only adds assembly steps but also places higher demands on the construction environment and operator skills, easily resulting in uneven sealant application and incomplete curing, affecting sealing reliability. Third, there are significant drawbacks in maintainability. Once the sealant cures, a difficult-to-remove bond forms between the radome and the bracket. Subsequent repairs or antenna replacements require damaging the original structure, often necessitating the replacement of the entire antenna assembly, leading to high maintenance costs. In addition, the difficulty in cleaning residual sealant after long-term use further increases the workload of maintenance.
[0005] Therefore, how to design a new type of radome that can meet the sealing requirements of the high-pressure environment in the deep sea, and also has good wave transmission performance and a simplified structure, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In view of this, this application provides a pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome and antenna to solve the problem that existing underwater radomes usually require thick walls and complex connection parts, which directly affect the antenna's radiation efficiency and communication quality.
[0007] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:
[0008] In a first aspect, this application proposes a pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome for the protection of antenna equipment. The radome includes a housing with an internal space for accommodating the antenna equipment. The inner wall of the housing is provided with a double-conical support structure, which includes a first conical support surface and a second conical support surface sequentially adjacent along the axial direction. It also includes a base for sealingly connecting with the housing, and a support platform is provided on the base. The first conical support surface 121 and the second conical support surface 122 have opposite taper directions, and their small ends abut against each other, continuously transitioning along the axial direction of the housing 100. The support platform abuts against the first conical support surface to distribute the supporting force through the second conical support surface to the circumference of the housing, thereby supporting the circumference of the housing through a thin wall.
[0009] Preferably, the double-cone support structure is an annular protrusion arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the cover to limit the support platform.
[0010] Preferably, the structure of the support platform abutting against the first conical support surface is a conical surface that fits the first conical support surface; and the taper direction of the conical surface points towards the cover.
[0011] Preferably, the first tapered support surface has the same taper direction as the tapered surface of the support platform.
[0012] Preferably, the base is further provided with at least two sets of sealing structures, and when the cover is connected to the base, the sealing structures form a sealing fit with the inner wall of the cover and / or the double-cone support structure.
[0013] Preferably, the sealing structure includes a sealing groove and a sealing element disposed within the sealing groove.
[0014] Preferably, the sealing structure is disposed on the conical surface of the support platform; the sealing structure forms a sealing fit with the first conical support surface; the sealing element is an O-ring or a lip ring.
[0015] Preferably, the cover has a plurality of first mounting holes and the base has a plurality of second mounting holes, for fixing the base to the cover by means of mounting components.
[0016] Preferably, the mounting component is a screw or bolt, and the first mounting hole and / or the second mounting hole is a threaded hole.
[0017] Secondly, this application also proposes an antenna, including the radome described in the first aspect; an antenna structure disposed within the receiving space of the radome and fixed to the base.
[0018] Preferably, the antenna structure is a four-arm helical antenna, comprising: an antenna frame fixed on the base; four conductive arms disposed on the antenna frame, and each conductive arm being evenly distributed circumferentially; each conductive arm being helical with a helical angle of 180 degrees.
[0019] Preferably, the base has an antenna hole, and an inner conductor is disposed inside the antenna hole. One end of the inner conductor is electrically connected to the antenna feed line, and the other end is electrically connected to the conductive arm, for feeding the signal into the conductive arm.
[0020] Preferably, the antenna structure is fixed to the base by crimping, snap-fitting, or screw connection.
[0021] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this application are:
[0022] This application utilizes a double-conical mechanical transmission mechanism to effectively distribute external water pressure and structural support forces circumferentially across the entire enclosure wall. This force transmission method allows for a thin-walled structure design, significantly reducing overall weight and material usage while ensuring sufficient pressure resistance. This minimizes antenna signal obstruction and attenuation, ensuring efficient transmission of communication and navigation signals. Simultaneously, as external water pressure increases, it acts in the opposite direction within the enclosure, further enhancing the clamping force between the sealing surfaces, achieving a pressure-reinforced sealing effect and significantly improving sealing stability in deep-sea environments. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:
[0024] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective structural diagram of the cover of the pressure-resistant self-sealing high-transmittance antenna radome provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base for assembling the antenna of the pressure-resistant self-sealing high-transmittance radome provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the support platform and base of the pressure-resistant self-sealing high-transmittance radome provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0031] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the antenna structure of the pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0032] Among them, 100 is the cover; 110 is the first mounting hole; 120 is the double-cone support structure; 121 is the first conical support surface; and 122 is the second conical support surface.
[0033] 200, base; 210, second mounting hole; 220, mounting component; 230, antenna hole;
[0034] 300. Support platform; 310. Sealing structure; 320. Support frame;
[0035] 400. Antenna structure; 410. Conductive arm; 420. Antenna frame; 430. Inner conductor;
[0036] 500. Sealing components. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0038] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0039] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.
[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" a second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and do not limit the number of objects; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0042] Existing underwater equipment radomes generally employ a threaded connection with sealant. Specifically, the radome and antenna support are mechanically connected via threads, and sealant is applied to the threaded mating surfaces to enhance watertightness. While this structure can meet basic sealing and fixation requirements to a certain extent, it has many shortcomings in practical applications.
[0043] First, from the perspective of wave transmission performance, traditional threaded connection structures typically require thick shrouds and complex connection parts. These structures significantly obstruct and reflect antenna signals, leading to a decrease in antenna wave transmission performance and directly affecting the antenna's radiation efficiency and communication quality. This impact is particularly pronounced in high-frequency bands or applications sensitive to signal loss. Second, in terms of structural design and manufacturing processes, thread machining requires high precision and specialized equipment, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost. Furthermore, the use of sealant not only adds assembly steps but also places higher demands on the construction environment and operator skills, easily resulting in uneven sealant application and incomplete curing, affecting sealing reliability. Third, there are significant drawbacks in maintainability. Once the sealant cures, a difficult-to-remove bond forms between the radome and the bracket. Subsequent repairs or antenna replacements require damaging the original structure, often necessitating the replacement of the entire antenna assembly, leading to high maintenance costs. In addition, the difficulty in cleaning residual sealant after long-term use further increases the workload of maintenance.
[0044] This application utilizes a double-conical mechanical transmission mechanism to effectively distribute external water pressure and structural support forces circumferentially across the entire enclosure wall. This force transmission method allows for a thin-walled structure design, significantly reducing overall weight and material usage while ensuring sufficient pressure resistance. This minimizes antenna signal obstruction and attenuation, ensuring efficient transmission of communication and navigation signals. Simultaneously, as external water pressure increases, it acts in the opposite direction within the enclosure, further enhancing the clamping force between the sealing surfaces, achieving a pressure-reinforced sealing effect and significantly improving sealing stability in deep-sea environments.
[0045] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 8 The technical solutions provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.
[0046] Firstly, such as Figures 1-8As shown, this application proposes a pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome for the protection of antenna equipment. The radome includes a radome body 100 with an internal space for accommodating the antenna equipment. The inner wall of the radome body 100 is provided with a double-conical support structure 120, which includes a first conical support surface 121 and a second conical support surface 122 sequentially adjacent along the axial direction. It also includes a base 200 for a sealed connection with the radome body 100, on which a support platform 300 is provided. The first conical support surface 121 and the second conical support surface 122 have opposite taper directions, and their small ends abut against each other, continuously transitioning along the axial direction of the radome body 100. The support platform 300 abuts against the first conical support surface 121 to distribute the supporting force through the second conical support surface 122 to the circumference of the radome body 100, thereby supporting the circumference of the radome body 100 through its thin wall.
[0047] Specifically, the radome mainly consists of a radome body 100, a base 200, and a support platform 300 mounted on the base 200. The radome body 100 has an internal space for accommodating the antenna equipment, and its inner wall is designed with a double-conical support structure 120. This structure consists of a first conical support surface 121 and a second conical support surface 122 continuously distributed along the axial direction. The base 200 is sealed to the radome body 100, and the support platform 300 is fixed to the base 200 and abuts against the first conical support surface 121 in the assembled state. Through the mechanical transmission mechanism of the double conical surfaces, the external water pressure and structural support force are effectively distributed circumferentially to the entire wall surface of the radome body 100. This force transmission method allows the radome body 100 to adopt a thin-walled structure design, significantly reducing the overall weight and material usage while ensuring sufficient pressure resistance.
[0048] In terms of working principle, when the radome is in a deep-water environment, external water pressure acts on the surface of the radome 100. The radome 100, through the double-conical support structure 120, evenly transmits the pressure to the support platform 300 and the base 200 system, forming a self-balancing mechanical structure system. Because the supporting force is transmitted obliquely through the conical surface and diffused circumferentially, local stress concentration is avoided, improving the overall compressive stability of the structure. Simultaneously, this structure achieves a reliable sealing effect without relying on threaded connections and sealant, relying on precision-machined mating surfaces and pre-tightening force to achieve self-sealing, thus maintaining good watertightness even under high-pressure environments. Furthermore, the radome 100 is made of a composite material with low dielectric constant and high transmittance, minimizing the obstruction and attenuation of antenna signals and ensuring efficient transmission of communication and navigation signals.
[0049] Regarding wave transmission performance, this application eliminates the traditional threaded structure and sealing layer, avoiding electromagnetic wave reflection and absorption caused by metal connectors or adhesives, significantly improving the antenna's radiation efficiency and communication quality, especially suitable for high-frequency and high-sensitivity underwater communication scenarios. In terms of structural performance, the double-cone support structure 120 achieves efficient force transmission and distribution, enabling the enclosure 100 to achieve a lightweight and thin-walled design while meeting deep-sea pressure resistance requirements, improving space utilization and reducing material costs. Regarding sealing reliability, the sealing structure 310 replaces adhesive sealing, avoiding defects such as sealant aging, uneven curing, and strong construction dependence, improving long-term service stability and environmental adaptability. In terms of maintainability, this structure supports rapid disassembly and assembly without destructive disassembly, facilitating the inspection or replacement of internal antenna equipment, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Furthermore, the simple cleaning and reassembly process of this application helps extend the overall service life of the equipment. The overall solution proposed in this application achieves a balance between structural simplification, performance optimization, and convenient operation and maintenance. It is applicable to various types of underwater unmanned submersibles, deep-sea operation platforms, and other high-end marine equipment, providing technical support for the reliable operation of deep-sea communication systems. It has good engineering application prospects and promotional value.
[0050] In some embodiments, the double-cone support structure 120 is an annular protrusion arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the cover 100. This annular protrusion extends inward from the inner wall of the cover 100, forming a continuous, closed annular structure arranged around the central axis of the cover 100. The inner surface of this annular protrusion is composed of a first conical support surface 121 and a second conical support surface 122 connected sequentially along the axial direction, forming a double-cone support profile. When the cover 100 is assembled with the base 200, the support platform 300 on the base 200 extends upward and inserts into the interior of the cover 100, with its top end contacting the first conical support surface 121 and applying an upward resisting force. Because the first conical support surface 121 has an inclined angle, this resisting force is decomposed into a radially inward component and an axially supporting component, which is then transmitted to the circumferential wall of the cover 100 through the second conical support surface 122, achieving a uniform distribution of the supporting force.
[0051] This annular protrusion structure not only serves as a key component for force transmission but also limits the axial and radial movement of the support platform 300. The engagement of the first conical support surface 121 with the inclined surface at the top of the support platform 300 restricts excessive upward movement of the support platform 300 in the axial direction. Simultaneously, the engagement between the second conical support surface 122 and the outer side of the support platform 300 or the wall of the cover 100 constrains the radial offset of the support platform 300, thereby achieving stable positioning of the support platform 300. This integrated limiting design eliminates the need for additional independent limiting components or fastening elements, simplifying the structure and improving assembly accuracy and reliability.
[0052] For example, the annular protrusion can be directly fabricated on the inner wall of the radome 100 through precision molding or CNC machining, forming an integral part of the radome 100. This avoids the introduction of additional parts and enhances the overall structural integrity. The axial height, cone angle, and circumferential width of the annular protrusion can be optimized according to actual load-bearing requirements to adapt to radomes of different sizes and operating depths. For example, under deep-sea high-pressure conditions, the load-bearing capacity and sealing preload can be improved by increasing the cone contact area and optimizing the angle. Furthermore, due to its circumferentially continuous structural characteristics, it ensures uniform force transmission and prevents the radome 100 from cracking or the seal from failing due to localized stress concentration.
[0053] This design further enhances the self-sealing performance of the radome under threadless and sealant-free conditions. When the radome 100 and base 200 are pre-tightened via an external clamping mechanism or bolt connection, the tight fit between the support platform 300 and the double-cone support structure 120 ensures that the bottom edge of the radome 100 is tightly fitted to the sealing surface of the base 200, forming a reliable surface seal structure 310. As the external water pressure increases, the water pressure acts in the opposite direction inside the radome 100, further enhancing the clamping force between the sealing surfaces, achieving a "pressure self-reinforcing seal" effect, and significantly improving the sealing stability in deep-sea environments.
[0054] In summary, this embodiment, by setting a double-conical support structure 120 in the form of a circumferential annular protrusion on the inner wall of the radome 100, not only achieves effective positioning of the support platform 300 and efficient force transmission, but also enhances the integration, sealing reliability and pressure resistance of the structure, while maintaining high wave transmission performance, providing a solution for underwater radomes that is simple in structure, superior in performance and easy to maintain.
[0055] In some embodiments, the support platform 300 abuts against the first conical support surface 121 in a conical shape that fits into the conical surface. Specifically, the top outer surface of the support platform 300 has an inclined surface that matches the first conical support surface 121 on the inner wall of the cover 100, and the two surfaces fit together to form a surface contact. The taper direction of this conical surface points towards the central axis of the cover 100, gradually narrowing from the outside of the support platform 300 to the inside, consistent with the inclination direction of the first conical support surface 121, thus achieving a tight fit. This fitting structure can effectively transmit axial pressure and decompose the force into radial and axial components through the inclined surface of the contact surface, ensuring that the supporting force is smoothly transmitted to the cover 100 structure.
[0056] The first conical support surface 121 and the second conical support surface 122 have opposite taper directions. That is, the first conical support surface 121 is a conical structure with a small inner opening and a large outer opening, while the second conical support surface 122 is a reverse conical structure with a large inner opening and a small outer opening. The two transition continuously in the axial direction, forming a composite double-conical shape of "inward contraction-outward expansion" or "inverted cone-normal cone". This reverse taper design allows the axial force applied by the support platform 300 to act first on the first conical support surface 121, generating an inward radial component force through its inwardly inclined surface, which in turn pushes the root of the double-conical support structure 120 to expand outward, so that the second conical support surface 122 can effectively transfer the force to the circumferential wall of the cover 100, achieving multi-directional force dispersion and balanced load bearing.
[0057] For example, when the support platform 300 is pressed upwards during assembly, its top conical surface completely fits against the first conical support surface 121, forming a sealed pre-compression state. Because the tapers of both are consistent, there are no gaps between the contact surfaces, preventing stress concentration or localized peeling. With the application of external pre-tightening force or the increase of external pressure in the deep-sea environment, the compressive force between these contact surfaces is further enhanced, making the sealing interface between the bottom edge of the cover 100 and the base 200 even tighter, thereby improving the overall sealing performance. Simultaneously, the second conical support surface 122 expands outwards under force, applying circumferential support force to the sidewalls of the cover 100, enhancing the thin-walled cover 100's ability to resist external water pressure instability and preventing collapse or deformation.
[0058] This structural design also possesses excellent self-alignment characteristics. Due to the automatic correction capability of the conical surface fit, even with minor alignment deviations during assembly, the support platform 300 and the double-conical support structure 120 can automatically adjust through conical surface sliding, ultimately achieving a concentric fit, thus improving assembly efficiency and connection reliability. Furthermore, the conical surface fit structure requires no additional sealing elements or adhesives; the sealing function is achieved solely through the precise fit between the metal and composite materials, conforming to the self-sealing design concept.
[0059] In summary, by designing the support platform 300 as a conical surface that fits the first conical support surface 121, and ensuring that the first conical support surface 121 and the second conical support surface 122 adopt the same taper direction, not only is efficient force transmission and structural self-stabilization achieved, but also sealing reliability, pressure resistance, and assembly convenience are enhanced. This embodiment further optimizes the radome's performance under complex deep-sea conditions, providing a practical technical path for an integrated antenna protection structure with high wave transmission, high sealing, and high pressure resistance.
[0060] In some embodiments, the base 200 is further provided with at least two sets of sealing structures 310. The sealing structure 310 may specifically be an elastic sealing ring, a metal sealing ring, or a composite material sealing gasket, arranged circumferentially along the connection interface between the base 200 and the cover 100, for achieving multi-level sealing during assembly of the cover 100 and the base 200. When the cover 100 is connected to the base 200, the sealing structure 310 forms a sealing fit with the inner wall of the cover 100 and / or the double-cone support structure 120.
[0061] For example, the first set of sealing structures 310 is disposed between the top end face of the support platform 300 of the base 200 and the bottom end face of the cover 100. When the support platform 300 abuts against the double-cone support structure 120, the sealing structure 310 is axially compressed, forming a surface contact seal with the bottom inner wall of the cover 100, blocking the path of external water into the accommodating space along the axial direction. The second set of sealing structures 310 is disposed in the annular gap between the outer peripheral side wall of the support platform 300 and the inner wall of the cover 100, specifically located below the double-cone support structure 120 or adjacent to its root. When the cover 100 is subjected to external water pressure, the sealing structure 310 is squeezed in the radial direction, forming a radial seal together with the inner wall of the cover 100 and the outer wall of the support platform 300, further improving the sealing reliability.
[0062] In the assembled state, as the support platform 300 pushes upward against the first conical support surface 121, the double-conical support structure 120 undergoes slight elastic deformation, causing the bottom edge of the radome 100 to fit tightly against the sealing surface of the base 200. Simultaneously, the two sets of sealing structures 310 are pressurized, establishing axial and radial double sealing barriers respectively. This synergistic effect of multiple sealing structures 310 forms a "double-line defense" sealing system. Even if one set experiences micro-leakage due to local damage or aging, the other set can still maintain overall watertightness, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the radome during long-term operation in the deep sea.
[0063] The design of this multi-seal structure 310 also enhances the system's environmental adaptability. Under conditions of temperature changes, vibration and shock, or frequent diving and surfacing, the sealing fit in different directions can effectively absorb thermal expansion and contraction stress and mechanical deformation, preventing seal failure. At the same time, because the sealing position is far from the antenna radiation area and uses a low dielectric constant material, the impact on antenna signal attenuation and reflection is minimal, ensuring high wave transmission performance.
[0064] In summary, by setting at least two sets of sealing structures 310 on the base 200 and forming a multi-directional sealing fit with the inner wall of the radome 100 and the double-cone support structure 120, a highly reliable, long-life, and maintenance-free sealing effect is achieved in deep-water environments. This technical solution not only improves the overall protection level of the radome but also simplifies the structure and optimizes performance, making it one of the key improvements for the engineering application of pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radomes.
[0065] In some embodiments, the sealing structure 310 includes a sealing groove formed on the mating surface of the base 200 or the cover 100, and a sealing element 500 installed within the sealing groove. The sealing groove is an annular groove, circumferentially arranged along the top end face or outer peripheral sidewall of the support platform 300 of the base 200, and its cross-sectional shape matches that of the sealing element 500. It is used to position and limit the sealing element 500, preventing displacement or twisting during assembly or use. The sealing element 500, disposed within the sealing groove, can be an O-ring, X-ring, lip seal, or other elastomers with different cross-sectional shapes, made of a material resistant to seawater corrosion, high pressure, and possessing good resilience, such as fluororubber, silicone rubber, or polytetrafluoroethylene composite material.
[0066] For example, the sealing structure 310 includes an annular sealing groove formed on the outer peripheral sidewall of the support platform 300, and an X-shaped seal 500 installed therein. The X-shaped cross-section has four contact lips, which can form multi-point contact simultaneously in the radial and axial directions, improving sealing reliability. When the cover 100 is fitted onto the outside of the support platform 300 and the assembly is completed, the inner wall of the cover 100 and the outer wall of the support platform 300 are compressed, causing the X-shaped seal 500 to undergo radial compression and slight axial deformation, forming a tight fit with the inner wall of the cover 100 and the root region of the double-cone support structure 120, achieving radial sealing. This sealing path is independent of the axial sealing path, constituting multi-level protection.
[0067] The design of the sealing groove also considers the compressibility of the seal 500 and installation guidance. The groove depth matches the cross-sectional diameter of the seal 500 to ensure appropriate pre-compression, balancing sealing performance and service life. The groove opening is chamfered or rounded to facilitate smooth sliding of the seal 500 during installation, avoiding edge cutting or damage. Under the high pressure conditions of deep sea, external water pressure will further compress the seal 500 to fit against the bottom of the sealing groove, enhancing the sealing effect and achieving a pressure self-reinforcing function.
[0068] In addition, the seal 500 adopts a detachable design. When maintenance or replacement is required, the seal 500 can be removed from the sealing groove and replaced simply by disconnecting the connection between the radome 100 and the base 200. There is no need to scrap the whole thing or reapply glue, which significantly improves the maintainability and service life of the radome.
[0069] In some embodiments, the sealing structure 310 is disposed on the conical surface of the support platform 300, specifically located in the inclined area corresponding to the first conical support surface 121 at the top of the support platform 300, and is continuously arranged circumferentially. The sealing structure 310 and the first conical support surface 121 on the cover 100 form a tight sealing fit in the assembled state. Axial preload causes the sealing element 500 to undergo elastic deformation, filling the microscopic gap between the conical surface of the support platform 300 and the first conical support surface 121, thereby blocking the path of external medium intrusion along the inclined interface. The sealing element 500 is an O-ring or a lip seal. The O-ring uses an elastic material with a circular cross-section and is installed in an annular sealing groove on the conical surface of the support platform 300. Static sealing is achieved through compression deformation, featuring simple structure, reliable sealing, and excellent pressure resistance. The lip seal has an elastic lip that extends inward or outward, which can generate pre-tightening pressure through interference fit during assembly. Under the action of external water pressure, its lip further presses against the first conical support surface 121, achieving a dynamic sealing effect with self-reinforcing pressure.
[0070] For example, when the support platform 300 is inserted upward into the housing 100 and subjected to the axial preload applied by the external pressure cap, the O-ring seal in the sealing structure 310 is compressed, forming a surface contact with the first conical support surface 121, generating a uniform sealing stress field and effectively preventing leakage. In the high-pressure environment of deep sea, the lip of the lip seal is pushed more tightly against the first conical support surface 121 by external water pressure, and the sealing performance increases with pressure. This sealing structure 310 is arranged between the conical mating surfaces, fully utilizing the mechanical transmission characteristics of the double-conical support structure 120, so that the sealing force and structural support force work synergistically, not only improving the overall connection strength but also avoiding the introduction of additional sealing components and simplifying the assembly process.
[0071] This design integrates the sealing structure 310 into the inclined mating area, achieving the integration of structural load-bearing and sealing functions, and significantly improving the reliability and environmental adaptability of the radome under complex working conditions such as deep water, high pressure, and strong corrosion.
[0072] In some embodiments, the cover 100 has a plurality of first mounting holes 110, and the base 200 has a plurality of second mounting holes 210. The first mounting holes 110 and the second mounting holes 210 correspond in position when the cover 100 and the base 200 are assembled, and are used to fix the base 200 to the cover 100 by means of mounting members 220. The first mounting holes 110 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the bottom edge of the cover 100, penetrate through the wall thickness direction of the cover 100, and are four, six or eight in number, to achieve uniform force distribution and stable connection. The second mounting holes 210 are correspondingly disposed in the flange edge area of the base 200, aligned with the first mounting holes 110, and the hole diameter matches the outer diameter of the mounting member 220. The mounting member 220 can be a bolt, screw or stud, which passes through the first mounting holes 110 and the second mounting holes 210 and is locked by a nut, or directly screwed into the threaded hole of the base 200 to achieve a fastening connection.
[0073] For example, after the housing 100 and the base 200 are axially positioned by the support platform 300 and the double-cone support structure 120, the mounting component 220 passes sequentially through the first mounting hole 110 on the housing 100 and the second mounting hole 210 on the base 200, and is locked with a specified torque, forming a stable mechanical connection between the housing 100 and the base 200. This ensures that the sealing structure 310 is uniformly compressed, preventing seal failure due to uneven local stress. The distribution circle diameter of the mounting holes is adapted to the outer diameter of the housing 100, ensuring that the connection structure has sufficient torsional and shear strength to withstand vibration and impact loads in complex underwater flow fields. The inner walls of all mounting holes are deburred and treated with anti-corrosion measures to prevent stress concentration and electrochemical corrosion. During assembly, the preload of the mounting component 220 is precisely applied using a torque control tool to ensure consistent force at each connection point, preventing deformation of the housing 100 from affecting its wave transmission performance.
[0074] This connection method is simple in structure and easy to assemble and disassemble, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of internal antenna components. At the same time, it is combined with the sealing structure 310 to achieve high water tightness and meet the technical requirements of deep water pressure resistance and long-term reliable operation.
[0075] In some embodiments, the mounting component 220 is a screw or bolt, and the first mounting hole 110 and / or the second mounting hole 210 is a threaded hole. By reasonably configuring the type of mounting hole and the form of the mounting component, the reliability of the connection structure is ensured, while assembly efficiency and maintenance convenience are improved, meeting the usage requirements of the equipment in underwater high-pressure and high-sealing scenarios.
[0076] Secondly, this application also proposes an antenna that integrates the radome described in the first aspect to effectively protect and isolate the internal antenna structure 400 from the environment. The antenna structure 400 is disposed within the accommodating space of the radome 100, located inside the radome, supported and positioned by the base 200, and firmly fixed to the base 200 by mechanical connection, ensuring structural stability and consistent electrical performance under vibration, impact, or complex climatic conditions. The specific configuration of the antenna structure 400 is designed according to the operating frequency band, polarization, and radiation pattern requirements. The radome 100 and the base 200 together form a sealed or semi-sealed protective environment, effectively preventing the intrusion of external impurities such as moisture, dust, and salt spray, improving the reliability and service life of the antenna in outdoor, marine, or highly polluted environments. Simultaneously, the material and wall thickness of the radome are optimized to minimize the impact on the antenna radiation performance, ensuring efficient electromagnetic wave penetration and low insertion loss. The base 200 not only serves as a mechanical mounting base but can also integrate a grounding structure or shielding layer to enhance the electromagnetic compatibility characteristics of the antenna. The entire antenna structure 400 adopts a modular design, which facilitates assembly, testing and maintenance. It is suitable for various application scenarios such as communication base stations, radar systems, and satellite communication terminals, and has the advantages of high performance, high reliability and strong environmental adaptability.
[0077] In some embodiments, the antenna structure 400 is a four-arm spiral antenna, possessing good circular polarization characteristics and wide beam coverage, suitable for omnidirectional communication and satellite signal reception scenarios. The four-arm spiral antenna includes an antenna frame 420, which is fixed to the base 200 and securely installed using screws or clips, ensuring the antenna structure 400 maintains positional accuracy and mechanical stability under vibration or shock environments. Four conductive arms 410 are disposed on the antenna frame 420, evenly distributed circumferentially, forming a symmetrical radiation structure at a 90-degree angle to each other, which is beneficial for achieving a balanced radiation pattern and a stable phase center. Each conductive arm 410 is spirally wound with a spiral angle of 180 degrees, meaning each conductive arm 410 completes half a turn of the spiral from the starting end to the end. This structure effectively controls the current path and phase distribution, achieving the desired circular polarization radiation characteristics. The conductive arms 410 are made of conductive metal materials, such as copper or aluminum, and their surfaces can be silver-plated or gold-plated to reduce conductor loss and improve corrosion resistance. The helix angle and the length of the conductive arm 410 are optimized through electromagnetic simulation to match the target operating frequency band, typically used in L-band or S-band satellite communication systems. The antenna frame 420 is made of low-dielectric-constant engineering plastics or composite materials to reduce interference with electromagnetic fields while possessing sufficient structural strength and environmental tolerance. The four conductive arms 410 are connected to the RF interface via a feed network, employing a feeding method with equal amplitude and sequentially 90-degree phase differences to excite circular polarization modes. After assembly, the entire antenna structure 400 is placed within the housing space of the radome 100. The radome is made of a wave-transparent material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or epoxy resin composite material, exhibiting low reflection and low absorption characteristics to electromagnetic waves, ensuring that antenna performance is not affected.
[0078] In some embodiments, the base 200 has an antenna hole 230, and the support platform 300 has a hollow support frame 320 communicating with the antenna hole 230. The antenna hole 230 penetrates the thickness direction of the base 200 and is used to integrate the signal transmission path and realize the electrical connection between the antenna structure 400 and the external circuit. The hollow support frame 320 is used to install and limit the antenna frame 420. An inner conductor 430 is provided inside the antenna hole 230 and the support frame 320. The inner conductor 430 is made of a metal material with excellent conductivity, such as copper alloy or gold-plated copper rod, and has the characteristics of low insertion loss and high signal transmission stability. One end of the inner conductor 430 is located in the lower region of the base 200, and is electrically connected to the external antenna feed line through welding, crimping, or threaded connection to ensure the contact reliability and mechanical strength of the signal input end. The other end of the inner conductor 430 extends upward, passes through the support frame 320, and extends into the interior of the housing 100, where it is directly connected to the conductive arm 410 of the four-arm helical antenna. Conductivity is typically achieved through conductive solder joints or elastic contact structures, thereby effectively feeding the radio frequency signal into each conductive arm 410. The support frame 320 has holes for the antenna frame 420 and the inner conductor 430 to pass through. The inner conductor 430 and the base 200 are electrically isolated by an insulating sleeve or injection-molded insulating structure to prevent signal short circuits or grounding abnormalities, while ensuring the overall structure's airtightness and environmental resistance. A sealant 500 or potting process is provided between the inner wall of the antenna hole 230 and the inner conductor 430 to prevent moisture, humidity, or contaminants from entering the antenna interior along the pores, improving product reliability and lifespan.
[0079] In some embodiments, the antenna structure 400 is fixed to the base 200 by crimping, snap-fitting, or screw connection to achieve a stable mechanical connection and flexible assembly. These three connection methods can be flexibly selected or combined according to actual production needs, environmental conditions, and maintenance strategies. All connection methods ensure electrical continuity between the antenna structure 400 and the base 200. Conductive gaskets or grounding springs are provided when necessary to ensure stable electromagnetic performance. Simultaneously, the sealing structure 310 achieves a high level of sealing protection, meeting the comprehensive requirements of reliability, manufacturability, and maintainability for diverse application scenarios.
[0080] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.
[0081] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.
[0082] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0083] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.
Claims
1. A pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome, characterized in that, Protection for antenna equipment, including; The cover (100) has an internal space for accommodating antenna equipment. The inner wall of the cover (100) is provided with a double cone support structure (120). The double cone support structure (120) includes a first cone support surface (121) and a second cone support surface (122) that are sequentially adjacent along the axial direction. A base (200) is used for a sealed connection with the cover (100), and a support platform (300) is provided on the base (200). The first conical support surface (121) and the second conical support surface (122) have opposite taper directions, and their small ends abut against each other, and continuously transition in the axial direction of the cover (100); the support platform (300) abuts against the first conical support surface (121) to distribute the support force through the second conical support surface (122) to the circumference of the cover (100), so as to support the circumference of the cover (100) through the thin wall.
2. The pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-cone support structure (120) is an annular protrusion arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the cover (100) to limit the support platform (300). And / or, the structure of the support platform (300) abutting against the first conical support surface (121) is such that it fits the conical surface of the first conical support surface (121); and the taper direction of the conical surface points to the cover (100). The first conical support surface (121) has the same taper direction as the conical surface of the support platform (300).
3. The pressure-resistant, self-sealing, high-transmittance radome according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The base (200) is also provided with at least two sets of sealing structures (310). When the cover (100) is connected to the base (200), the sealing structure (310) forms a sealing fit with the inner wall of the cover (100) and / or the double cone support structure (120).
4. The radome according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing structure (310) includes a sealing groove and a sealing element (500) disposed in the sealing groove. The sealing structure (310) is disposed on the conical surface of the support platform (300); the sealing structure (310) and the first conical support surface (121) form a sealing fit; The sealing element (500) is an O-ring or a lip ring.
5. The radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (100) has a plurality of first mounting holes (110), and the base (200) has a plurality of second mounting holes (210), for fixing the base (200) to the cover (100) by means of mounting parts (220).
6. The radome according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting component (220) is a screw or bolt, and the first mounting hole (110) and / or the second mounting hole (210) are threaded holes.
7. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes the radome as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; antenna structure (400) disposed within the receiving space of the radome (100) and fixed to the base (200).
8. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The antenna structure (400) is a four-arm helical antenna, comprising: Antenna mount (420) is fixed to the base (200); Four conductive arms (410) are disposed on the antenna frame (420), and each conductive arm (410) is evenly distributed circumferentially; each conductive arm (410) is spiral-shaped with a spiral angle of 180 degrees.
9. The antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base (200) has an antenna hole (230) and an inner conductor (430) is provided inside the antenna hole (230). One end of the inner conductor (430) is electrically connected to the antenna feed line and the other end is electrically connected to the conductive arm (410) for feeding the signal into the conductive arm (410).
10. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The antenna structure (400) is fixed to the base (200) by means of crimping, snap-fitting or screw connection.